The Richmond Football Club’s Korin Gamadji Institute has partnered with Culture is Life to support the celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, and strengthen the resilience of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The organisations are Collaborative Partners, and will provide cultural affirmation opportunities and experiences to young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants of KGI programming, to develop into the next generation of community leaders.
Culture is Life will be involved in Richmond’s Dreamtime at the ‘G celebrations, supporting the Club’s cultural activities throughout the week and in the pre-match entertainment for the centrepiece game of the Sir Doug Nicholls Round.
Other outcomes of the partnership include leadership and self-determination, research and evaluation and integrated programming.
Korin Gamadji Institute Director Aaron Clark said the partnership would create important outcomes going forward.
“Activities and experiences that develop cultural affirmation underpins a lot of our current programming, particularly in the Richmond Emerging Aboriginal Leadership (REAL) program, and we’re excited to be able to elevate that through our partnership with Culture is Life,” he said.
“Providing positive cultural experiences supports the development of identity, confidence and resilience, which are all critical traits for the next generation of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders.”
Clark believes the partnership will provide further cultural education and engagement for the staff, players and supporters of the Richmond Football Club.
“Richmond has Elevate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) status, and given Culture is Life will play a big part in our Dreamtime at the ‘G celebrations, this is another opportunity that we have to lead the space in reconciliation,” he said.
Culture is Life CEO, and former Director of the Korin Gamadji Institute, Belinda Duarte believes the partnership will support cultural identity among young people.
“Our young people are the next generation of leaders and embody this country’s culture – the world’s oldest living culture,” Duarte said.
“This partnership recognises the need to support Aboriginal communities to thrive and reverse the disparities faced through actions that ensure that Aboriginal-led and self-determined solutions are implemented.”
