2017 Indigenous Round
This week the AFL nationally, and AFL North Coast locally, celebrate the 2017 Indigenous Round across the dates of Thursday 25 to Sunday 28 May to recognise the contribution Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have made to our game.
At a North Coast level, this round is celebrated at a number of clubs. It is the focal point of the Sawtell Toormina Saints Juniors home and away season, which will wear Indigenous jumpers and polos, have a Welcome to Country ceremony, and serve bush tucker at their home matches against Coffs Breakers on Sunday.
Bellingen Bulldogs will also be paying their respects to Indigenous people and will have a local Elder performing a Welcome to Country prior to their matches against the Macleay Valley Eagles.
At a national level, the round is designated as the Toyota AFL Sir Doug Nicholls Round. This is the eleventh year the AFL has celebrated Indigenous Round in the Toyota AFL Premiership Season and this year it coincides with two historical, momentous occasions – 50 years since the 1967 referendum, and 25 years since the Mabo decision.
The AFL has created a video to tell the story of the anniversary and its impact on our players and our game. Click here to view the video.