The annual round recognising and celebrating indigenous players and culture kicks off this Friday, May 27 - 29. Streamlining down from the AFL, this weekend AFL Canberra will be celebrating the round on a local level, celebrating our Indigenous players, coaches and volunteers.
By Sophie Steele
Pictured: Oliver with his two sons, grandchildren, daughter-in-law and his wife
Oliver Kickett first became involved with AFL Canberra 30 years ago, he is currently the Second Grade coach of the Tuggeranong Hawks Football Club. Earlier this week, we took 5 minutes with Oliver to hear about his unique story.
What is your families story?
I am a proud Noongar man, born and bred in the Great Southern region of Western Australia, in a small town called Katanning. Ironically it’s an Aboriginal (Noongar) word meaning ‘meeting place’, as Canberra is in the local Ngunnawal/Ngambri language.
I am the oldest of 6 children. Both my parents were taken away from their parents by the Government policies of the day. What that meant is that the town I was born in is not where my ancestors actually come from. I was born ‘out of country’. My Fathers ancestors come from an area 3-4 hours away called Ravensthorpe and Bremer Bay.
I am an Aboriginal person with Chinese heritage. My paternal grandfather was the son of a full blood Aboriginal woman and a Chinese husband/partner. Unfortunately my family knows very little about our Chinese ancestors even though we have been undertaking research for many years.
Who is your clan or community?
I consider Katanning to be my community. It was where I was born and where many of my extended family and some friends still live. When I go back to Western Australia always make an effort to return to my home town to visit them.
To me Canberra is where I live, but Katanning is home.
Has your culture influenced who you are today?
My culture has definitely influenced who I am today. It has shaped me in so many ways. But it’s not until I left that environment that I realised how much influence my culture has had on me.
I love the idea that I am related to nearly every family in the south west of WA, and if there is no connection, somehow we find one.
The life of a young Aboriginal boy in south west WA in the 70s had its challenges. But I was fortunate because my Father played in a range of sports in my home town and was accepted into the local community. Following in his footsteps, I also used sport to gain acceptance in the local community.
And my many Uncles, Aunties and cousins were always close by to give advice and support me as I was growing up.
I also had many friends who were non-Indigenous who also influenced me. They became my teammates in the footy, cricket or basketball teams. They also played a role in influencing me to become the person I am today.
Is there an Indigenous person in the AFL you look up to and why?
If I was to pick one person who I respect as a player and person who played AFL at the highest level its Michael Long. What he has achieved both on and off the field has been inspirational. He used his AFL profile to challenge the AFL, politicians and the broader community to address the problems Aboriginal people face in sport and in the community. I think it was a courageous decision by Michael to take on this role, but his legacy will remain in the AFL for many years.
AFL is based on an Indigenous game called Marn Gook which was played by Aboriginal people thousands of years ago. This round is to celebrate our Indigenous players and fans for their commitment to our game. How does this make you feel as an Aboriginal person?
I am extremely proud to be an Aboriginal person during the Indigenous Round. I was at the MCG in 2014 for the ‘Dreamtime at the G’ (Richmond v Essendon) game and that was one of the most memorable moments in my life. The ceremonies were the highlight. The game, in some ways, became less important than the ceremonies and the reconnecting with other Aboriginal people. To see the respect given to the Aboriginal community by the AFL and the supporters was unbelievably moving.
I also attended the AFL Canberra Indigenous Round celebrated by the Tuggeranong Hawks in 2015, and I was very proud of the work done by those in AFL Canberra and the Hawks. To see it continue and grow is amazing.
I’m very proud of my heritage and my Club – the Tuggeranong Hawks Football Club.
Last Modified on 26/05/2016 13:57