Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon. Ken Wyatt AM MP shared his personal story, the importance of truth telling and reflections on our reconciliation journey with Adelaide’s players and staff as a part of the clubs National Reconciliation Week activities.
On Tuesday, the Minister spoke via video conference and drew parallels between his rise in the political world and the career of an AFL player.
“The colour of our skin is important, it defines us,” Wyatt said.
“But we have the opportunity to be something more than what people perceive.
“Football has been great to our sports people. In sport, our sports men and women, who achieve their position in a team at a high level, stand as equals.
“There will be many young people who look to you for a better future for themselves, even though they may not make it into league, they will make it into a field of endeavour they can relate to.”
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As the first Indigenous member of the House of Representatives, and the first Indigenous cabinet member, Wyatt stood as a symbol of inspiration, particularly at the Adelaide Football Club.
“To hear from someone like him was pretty special,” Crows utility Wayne Milera said.
“For him to be the first Indigenous person in cabinet, it gives you (as an Indigenous person) the view that anyone can get into a position they want.
“The whole concept of reconciliation and bringing everyone together, it shows how important it is to make sure we’re united on these issues.”
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Following the discussion, Crows forward Ben Davis said Australia’s ability to say “we don’t understand” and ask questions was what separated the nation from the chaos in the US.
“America doesn't have people willing to put their hand up and ask questions,” Davis said.
“Being able to accept and say ‘I don’t understand’, be willing to put up questions, is a really good starting point for us to move forward together.
“Once we do that, and understand everyone on a deeper level, we can move forward and in turn be in it together.”
The Adelaide Football Club would like to extend its gratitude to the Minister Wyatt for taking time to address the players during reconciliation week.
