
HAVE A GO AT OLYMPIC SPORTS
HAVE A GO AT OLYMPIC SPORTS
PAUL FLEMING
Aboriginal Artist: Paul Fleming (Olympian – Beijing 2008, Boxing), a First Nation Australian man from Wakka Wakka Wanyurr Majay, Yuggera Country.
Indigenous Australian Olympic Boxer Paul Fleming discovered a new way of expressing his passion in 2018, taking up Aboriginal art design. Through his art, Paul is encouraging the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to stay close to their roots and to take pride in their identity.
‘Walking Together’ was created to share the Olympian’s story:
“The centre piece represents a meeting place, because the Olympics brings together people of all colours, religions and backgrounds from all over the world who are all competing for the same goal. Everyone essentially becomes ‘one’, we’re all athletes and it doesn’t matter where you come from.”
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.
David’s piece captures the main elements of the traditional and modern ways of life in Zendath Kes. “The winds in this artwork flow diagonally through the Dhari, our traditional head dress, in the middle. The islands sit within the horizon line and the currents move from top to bottom, bottom to top,” Bosun explained.
“All the lines converge in the centre, through the Dhari. The Dhari is a key ceremonial piece for us. It is worn during ritual celebrations, specifically in dance ceremonies. It is a powerful and important cultural item.”
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.
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.
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.
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