Every Monday we usually feature a university sport club, but this week we take a difference approach as we showcase the William Cooper Institute from Monash University in Victoria, Australia.
The William Cooper Institute is the hub for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research, learning and engagement – promoting Indigenous leadership and advancement across Monash University.
We are proud to feature the Institute this week as they (and Monash University) host the Unisport Indigenous Nationals that starts today.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from 35 universities in Australia will this week converge on the Monash University Clayton Campus and the traditional lands of the Kulin Nation to compete across four sports; touch football, volleyball, basketball and netball.
“We are honoured to be selected to host the UniSport Indigenous Nationals this year”, says Mr Jamil Tye, Yorta Yorta man and Director of the William Cooper Institute. “The event is the leading sports event for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander university students and as hosts, we are excited to welcome over 500 students to our campus”, adds Mr Jamil Tye.
The event not only showcases great sporting action, but is an important celebration of culture, tradition and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and culture.
“The importance of this event cannot be understated”, says Ms Erin Pennett, Indigenous Student Services Manager at the William Cooper Institute. “The opportunity to bring students from over 35 traditional countries to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and heritage is important. The event combines sport and culture which can ensure that our traditions are passed down from Elders to our emerging leaders”, adds Ms Erin Pennett.
The students also see the event as a great way to learn about other cultures and traditions whilst competing and representing their university.
“I love the Indigenous Nationals event”, says Mr Cameron James, who is studying a Bachelor of Commerce and is one of the student Team Organisers for Monash University. “It’s terrific to meet so many other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from across the country. I have made great friends from competing in this event in the past and have also been able to learn more about myself as an Indigenous person. I know that my cultural history is important to preserve and celebrate and it is great to do this with other Indigenous students from so many nations”, concludes Mr Cameron James.
The UniSport Indigenous Nationals is held from 26-30 June at Monash University, Naarm Country.
For more information about the William Cooper Institute visit their website.
For more information about the UniSport Indigenous Nationals visit the event website.
For more information about FISU Oceania and university sport in the region, contact us.
FISU Oceania acknowledges the traditional owners and leaders of our Pacific nations and pay our respects to Elders and traditional leaders, past present and emerging. FISU Oceania recognises that these leaders are custodians of the culture, heritage and traditions of our communities and that we all have the responsibility to uphold and protect these customs. FISU Oceania recognises the diverse culture and backgrounds of our members, stakeholders and partners
