A special occasion awaits on Friday night when Hawthorn takes on Richmond at Cazalys Stadium, Cairns during Indigenous Round.
Before the match gets underway, it is important to learn the stories of the Hawks' Indigenous athletes - Kaitlyn Ashmore, Janet Baird and Mattea Breed.
Read them below.
Kaitlyn Ashmore
Who is your mob and where are they located?
Dja Dja Wurrung – Creswick
Who has been a strong Indigenous woman in your life that has forged a path for you to become the person you are?
Nikki Foy. One of Mum's closest friends growing up.
What are some important things you’ve learned on your journey learning about culture?
The connection to family, community and country. There is SO MUCH to learn.
Why is it important that we celebrate Indigenous culture?
Celebrating indigenous culture means celebrating and acknowledging the founders of the land. It raises awareness and encourages conversations. Indigenous round means so much to all of us in the football community, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous players.
What part of being Indigenous makes you the proudest?
Honouring our trailblazing men and women who have paved the way for us to continue the legacy and walk the journey. There is no I or we, it’s always about us as a community.
Who was an Indigenous footballer that inspired you when you were younger?
My Dad was a mad Saints fan so Nicky Winmar was someone who inspired us. He was such a proud indigenous man who took a stance against racism.
Janet Baird
Who is your mob and where are they located?
I am a proud Yolgnu, Arrente, Kaytete, Tiwi and Iwadja woman who grew up in East Arnhem land. I speak Yolgnu Matha as my mother tongue.
Who has been a strong Indigenous woman in your life that has forged a path for you to become the person you are?
My Mum.
Who was an Indigenous footballer that inspired you when you were younger?
I grew up admiring AFL stars Buddy Franklin and Adam Goodes and NRL champion Jonathon Thurston.
Mattea Breed
Who is your mob and where are they located?
Tiwi – Tiwi Islands
Who has been a strong Indigenous woman in your life that has forged a path for you to become the person you are?
My mother, Rosanna De Santis and her mother, Martha De Santis (Ngimpangilipungitanyim).
What are some important things you’ve learned on your journey learning about culture?
Oral history/story telling is sometimes the only history that is accessible so, asking/learning about your culture through talking to elders and family members is so important.
Why is it important that we celebrate Indigenous culture?
It is important to me because it acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and creates opportunities for cultures and traditions to be celebrated as well as provides learning opportunities for everyone.
What part of being Indigenous makes you the proudest?
I feel/ that indigenous cultures and indigenous traditions hold so much beauty and intelligence in the ways of living off and living with the land. I am proud to have that as part of my identity and I am so fortunate to learn the traditions and skills from my family and ancestors.
Who was an Indigenous footballer that inspired you when you were younger?
Adam Goodes, of course.
