A recent question and answer session with a group of grade two school children has served to trigger Jeff Garlett’s interest in learning more of the story of his people.
 
On the eve of this weekend’s AFL Indigenous  Round, the West Australian-born Garlett talked of the moment he and his two year-old boy Nason sat in on the Indigenous Q and A at Port Melbourne Primary.
 
“There were a few questions I wasn’t sure about answering because I’m from WA and I come from a different background to those other Indigenous in and around Victoria. It’s why I want to know more,” Garlett said.
 
Jeff has, in recent times, sought to learn more about Indigenous culture, and the story of his own tribal origins. Jeff’s people are of the Noongar – a kinship grouping occupying the area of the South West Agricultural Division of Western Australia - affected from 1827 onwards, and today represented by the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council.
 
Within the Noongar is five cultural groups – Perth, Nyakinyaki , Bibelmen, Wudjari and Nyunga.
 
“The Noongar tribe is linked to all of Perth with links to heaps of other tribes in different regions of Western Australia. I don’t much more about Noongar, but I want to learn more to pass down to my boy.”
 
For Garlett, answers will come from his father and uncles. They have to, he explained, “because many more, including my Pop and my Nan on my father’s side have passed through, while my Nan on my mother’s side, Mona, has also gone and it was she who ‘Buddy’ Franklin also has a connection with.”
 
Not surprisingly, this week’s Indigenous guernsey carries special worth for Garlett, the 105-game Carlton forward who offers nothing but the strongest commendation to the AFL for its strong support of the cause through the power of the great Australian game.
 
“It’s awesome what the AFL has done with this round. These jumpers are a first and let’s hope it’s a regular thing. It’s very important to us Indigenous players to represent our culture and it’s equally important the AFL supports us,” Garlett said.
 
“This is not only important for the players but for all Australians to learn about the Indigenous players and their cultures.”