The Carlton Football Club has today launched its first Reconciliation Action Plan.
The RAP aims to strengthen relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by creating opportunities and setting out meaningful actions and initiatives.
The RAP encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and non-Indigenous Australians to work together in reconciling Australia through the power of football.
In keeping with Carlton’s core values of Unity, Responsibility and Initiative, the Club is dedicated to welcoming all cultures to create a powerful sense of belonging.
Ahead of today’s formal proceedings, Carlton players and staff took part in a Smoking and Cleansing Ceremony led by Wurundjeri Elder Bill Nicholson.
Carlton great Syd Jackson pictured during the Smoking and Cleansing Ceremony. (Photo: Graeme Furlong/Carlton Football Club)
Carlton CEO Steven Trigg, Carlton premiership player Syd Jackson and Yorta Yorta Elder Aunty Pam Pedersen were among the guest speakers from the Club’s RAP advisory board.
CEO Steven Trigg said the launch of the RAP marks a special day in Carlton’s history.
“It's a really big day for us because this is an important step forward,” Trigg said.
“It's fair to say the real Carlton is ‘multicultural Carlton’ and within that the development of our first ever RAP is a really important piece of progress.
“To launch our RAP in NAIDOC week is very appropriate and we're really proud of the way it’s all come together.”
Dancers from the Yorta Yorta Nation made the journey to welcome the RAP with a cultural dance to the sound of the didgeridoo.
Carlton players enjoy a dance performance at Ikon Park. (Photo: Graeme Furlong/Carlton Football Club)
Following the formal proceedings Carlton players hosted a clinic with the Lagunta and Kickstart squads from AFL Victoria’s Indigenous Talent Pathways Program.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD CARLTON'S RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN
