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Steph Gilmore: Surfing Australia's new team name, Irukandjis, and the importance of Indigenous Australian culture

 

Steph Gilmore: Surfing Australia's new team name, Irukandjis, and the importance of Indigenous Australian culture

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SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 17: Australian surfer Stephanie Gilmore signs a surfboard during the Team Australia Surfing launch and 'The Irukandjis' naming during a Surfing Australia media announcement at Novotel Sydney Manly Pacific on March 17, 2021 in Syd

Surfing Australia yesterday unveiled the new name and identity for their national surf team, ahead of surfings debut at the Tokyo Olympic Games in July. The namesake, ‘The Irukandjis,’ is one of special meaning, acknowledging Australia’s Indigenous heritage and the team’s commitment to being ‘Deadly in the Water’ against their rivals. 

The Australian Olympic Committee acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of this nation.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of all the lands on which we are located. We pay our respects to ancestors and Elders, past and present.

We celebrate and honour all of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Olympians.

The Australian Olympic Committee is committed to honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ unique cultural and spiritual relationships to the land, waters and seas and their rich contribution to society and sport.