The indigenous peoples of Australia were the first immigrants and the first Australians. This was, and is, their land before all other immigrant groups.
For over 200 years, they have resisted slaughter, assimilation, breeding them out, and at times an overt discrimination that pales any treatment of subsequent immigrants or refugees. They have not stooped to acts of terrorism against the innocent in despair or resistance.
The indigenous All Stars was a celebration of that survival and identity.
Anyone who observed the team would immediately recognise it was not about race, but the maintenance of cultural identity.
As for the claim that the NRL is based on “segregating race and colour … something sport should not stand for”, and to “never create rivalry by dividing race and colour”, made by Roar writer, Adrian Musolino, it verges on the height of hypocrisy.
Australian club football’s survival from the 1950s to the 80s was built on ethnic and racial and national segregation. This history continues today in State football leagues all over the country.
It seems that it is alright if it helps migrants like me adjust and maintain identity and mix to play in their own distinctive ethnic club or national teams or colours. It is a pity that the same rules do not seem to apply to our indigenous people.
They would be the first to defend this country. Our indigenous people have a unique loyalty to this land .
Long may the indigenous All Stars play.
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