The AOC has taken another step on its journey of reconciliation through sport with the launch of its second ‘Innovate’ Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
The AOC is working to recognise the heritage, culture and history of First Nations people at every level of the organisation.
Since 2015, when the AOC Constitution was first amended to commit the organisation to giving practical support to Indigenous reconciliation through sport, there have been significant changes to both the organisations governance and strategic development.
Changes Include:
- The establishment of the Indigenous Advisory Committee (IAC) in 2019.
- Further constitutional change in 2021 ensuring an enduring representation both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island representatives on the AOC Athletes’ Commission.
- Creation of an Indigenous Athlete Liaison position for the Australian Team at the Tokyo Olympic Games, with Kyle Vander-Kuyp appointed to the role.
- Incorporating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artwork in Olympic Team apparel and integrating the services of Indigenous people in Games operations.
- Delivery of the inaugural Australian Olympic Indigenous Coach Scholarship project.
- The AOC continues to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to create a range of opportunities to further their commitment to First Nations people.
About The AOC's RAP
Our Reconciliation Journey
*WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are warned that the following article contains images of deceased persons.
Australia has been represented by 59 Indigenous athletes at the Summer Olympic Games and by one Indigenous athlete at the Winter Olympic Games.
Our History
Australia has been represented by 60 Indigenous Australian Olympians known to the AOC, 59 Indigenous athletes at the Summer Olympic Games and by one Indigenous athlete at the Winter Olympic Games.
Our Partnerships
The AOC has established and continued partnerships and collaborations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and other like-minded organisations. Read more for a summary of the partnerships and milestones achieved.
Walk With Us
The AOC both accepts and extends the invitation to ‘Walk with Us’.
‘Walk with Us’ was a vision that originated from the AOC’s Indigenous Advisory Committee (IAC). It underpins the AOC’s Vision for Reconciliation and reflects a reconciliation journey that is shared.
To date, the AOC has embodied this vision through the facilitation of two ‘Walk with Us’ forums. The first, inaugural ‘Walk with Us’ forum was held in November 2020.
Australian Olympic Indigenous Coaching Scholarship
In partnership with The Toyota Foundation, the AOC funded the first Inaugural Australian Olympic Indigenous Coaching Scholarship (AOICS) pilot for Indigenous coaches in the Olympic sport of basketball.
Olympics Unleashed and Australian Olympic Change-Maker
The Olympics Unleashed and Australian Olympic Change-Maker programs continues to increase their reach into remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art
Walking Together PAUL FLEMING Aboriginal Artist: Paul Fleming (Olympian – Beijing 2008, Boxing), a First Nation Australian man from Wakka Wakka Wanyurr Majay, Yuggera Country.
Ngalmun Danalaig (Our Way of Life) DAVID BOSUN
Torres Strait Artist: David Bosun, a proud Wug man and Mualgal artist from Moa Island in the Torres Strait, is one of the founders of the printmaking tradition in Zenadth Kes (the Torres Strait) and has worked in printmaking, drawing and painting for over 20 years.
Governance
The AOC Executive, Athletes Commission, and Indigenous Advisory Committee form the building blocks for consultation to guide the AOC’s reconciliation journey.
