Enough is Enough! SIA champions National Indigenous Sports Summit
Sport Integrity Australia’s (SIA) Culture and Safety Advisor, Patrick Johnson, recently presented at the National Indigenous Sports Summit.
This year's summit was themed Enough is Enough!, and brought leaders from government, sport, and community services, along with current and former First Nations athletes together in Naarm Melbourne.
Attendees at the summit came together to discuss issues impacting Indigenous sport across Australia. The focus was on future priorities and addressing key issues, such as racism, through dedicated programs and accountability measures.
The essential foundations for successful First Nations development and pathway programs were also discussed, along with the need for more resources to ensure access to grassroots sports, especially in regional and remote areas.
The summit had many notable First Nations speakers, including Katrina Fanning, Paul Briggs, Linda Bamblett, Benny Mills, Leon Davis and Tracy Barrell.
During the panel discussion, Patrick focused on the key topic of racism.
“I wanted to highlight the importance of collective ownership and accountability to call out racism and ensure culturally safe practices and protocols are embedded,” Mr Johnson said.
SIA Sport Partnership Manager Xavier Fowler was in attendance, and found the summit an incredibly informative, engaging and moving event.
“Each presenter spoke with great clarity on the challenges and achievements Indigenous people experience every day in sport,” Mr Fowler said.
“I highly encourage everyone and anyone to attend the National Indigenous Sports Summit in future.”
This is the second year the National Indigenous Sports Foundation has hosted the National Indigenous Sport Summit. SIA looks forward to again supporting this important event in 2025.
