AusLeisure

The NBL’s Tasmania JackJumpers have acknowledged the need for improved consultation processes over their proposed use of an Indigenous themed jersey for last Saturday’s round 6 clash against the Brisbane Bullets.

Announced by the JackJumpers in the lead up to the NBL’s Indigenous round, the club dropped the apparel following a complaint from the Tasmania Aboriginal Centre that its dot art feature misrepresents Palawa-pakana techniques and is not a part of their story.

Retailers were also ordered to take the jerseys off racks, although several hundred had already been sold in the few days since they were released.

As a result, the JackJumpers wore one of its regular jerseys during their first game at Launceston's Silverdome this NBL season.

The controversy has opened up a debate on whether Aboriginal customs and traditions evolve, and what part does the system of lore, the body of knowledge on matters dealing with stories, beliefs and spirituality play that some mobs hold on tightly as the custodians to pass onto the next generations by word of mouth.

The JackJumpers, for their part, admitted they did not consult with the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre or its community beforehand, but are purportedly still standing by the work of Huon Valley Indigenous artist Reuben Oates.

The club's released a statement on Tuesday afternoon that did not attach specific responsibility for the outcome, but "respectfully acknowledge concerns expressed by the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre.

"The club acknowledges there should have been further consultation with (Tasmania) Aboriginal community throughout selection and artistry process, and it will continue to work closely with the broader Tasmanian Aboriginal community moving forward.

"The JackJumpers have undertaken extensive cultural awareness education, having previously worked with the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre, and the Aboriginal Elders Council of Tasmania and University of Tasmania."

JackJumpers Chief Executive, Christine Finnigan told WIN Tasmania "could the process be improved? Absolutely?"

"And I certainly will be working with them all into the future to make sure that's the case."

Speaking on behalf of the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre, Rulla Kelly-Mansell believes dot painting to represent Palawa culture is tantamount to employing plagiarism from other mobs, advising “although (the design) might look nice, what you see on that jersey is really highly offensive to the Palawa-pakana and to community and to culture.

"It's not anyone's decision to decide culture - culture is culture - and it's a part of us just like we're a part of it."

Image: Tasmania JackJumpers players lineup in the club's Indigenous jersey at its launch. Credit: Tasmania JackJumpers.

Related Articles

31st October 2023 - WNBL’s Indigenous Round launches the 2023/24 season

27th October 2023 - YouGov study shows support for themed rounds in sport

16th October 2023 - NBL concern over leaked CCTV footage of tunnel incident at Brisbane Bullets vs Cairns Taipans clash at Nissan Arena

13th October 2023 - NBL breaks attendance records in new season

5th October 2023 - AAMI insurance extends NBL partnership         

14th September 2023 - La Trobe Financial announces extension of NBL partnership

12th September 2023 - Revo Fitness to partner Adelaide 36ers through next two NBL seasons

6th September 2023 - WNBL fan feedback drives greater competition engagement

31st August 2023 - KOJO to develop and deliver NBL 2023/24 season campaign

18th August 2023 - Spalding to continue its association with NBL for multiple years

30th May 2023 - NBL welcomes return of Mitsubishi sponsorship

29th May 2023 - Basketball WA puts Perth Lynx WNBL licence up for sale

22nd April 2023 - NBL exploring sale of Tasmania JackJumpers

21st April 2023 - AFL’s David Stevenson named new NBL Chief Executive

17th August 2022 - Tasmanian Premier says JackJumpers’ success provides a strong message to AFL decision-makers

10th November 2021 - NBL’s JackJumpers ready to take the court as legislation to create Stadiums Tasmania agency moves forward

10th November 2020 - Tasmanian Government’s purchase of the Derwent Entertainment Centre advances JackJumpers NBL debut

21st August 2020 - AFL will not use Aboriginal flag during Indigenous Round

11th June 2019 - Aboriginal flag licence owner looks to enforce rights with football codes and clothing companies

---

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.