Indigenous Round this weekend is an important week for AFL Northern Territory (AFLNT). It recognises the significant contributions Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make to football and our communities across the Territory.
To acknowledge and celebrate this special round of footy Wanderers and the Darwin Buffaloes will play for the Nungalinya Cup on Saturday night at 7:30pm at TIO Stadium.
The term ‘Nungalinya’ is the place where the Larrakia spirit comes from the earth and goes into mothers’ bellies and life for the Larrakia commences. It is described as the beginning and the end, where the spirit returns after life. The clubs have been granted permission to use the term as they hold important connections to Larrakia country.
“Indigenous Round is one of our most meaningful weeks in the Territory footy calendar and I’m thrilled to see the Nungalinya Cup return for the second year with some extra spice being a top of the table clash,” Head of AFLNT Stuart Totham said.
“Territory footy wouldn’t be what it is today without the presence of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We have seen such a significant contribution across all facets and levels of our game which is all the more richer and better for it.”
“It is also fantastic to be celebrating Indigenous Round during NAIDOC week, a time to recognise the contribution Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have made to our community more broadly.”
Richard Fejo will lead a moving welcome to country before the game to rightfully acknowledge the Larrakia People and the cup will be presented to the winning team post-match by Northern Territory football great Mark Motlop.
Indigenous Round ties in with NAIDOC week, a time where we acknowledge that our first nations people have occupied and cared for our beautiful country for over 65 000 years. This year’s theme ‘Always Was, Always Will Be’ recognises and celebrates our first nations people, their history, stories and achievements.
