In 2015, the AOC amended its Constitution with the endorsement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Olympians, the Prime Minister of Australia, Leader of the Opposition, State Premiers, Chief Ministers, and the unanimous support from Member Sports. The AOC Constitution included the statement under Objective 6.6 that the AOC is:
'to recognise the heritage, culture and contribution of our nation’s First People, and to give practical support to the issue of Indigenous reconciliation through sport'.
In actioning Objective 6.6 the AOC embarked on its first ‘Reflect’ RAP in 2021 and on 1 June 2023 the AOC took another step on its reconciliation journey with the launch of its second ‘Innovate’ RAP.
Through developing relationship, and piloting new initiatives, the foundation is set for the AOC’s continued reconciliation journey. A reconciliation foundation that includes strong governance and strengthens the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Olympians through our Indigenous Advisory Committee.
About The AOC's RAP
Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)
The AOC has taken another step on its journey of reconciliation through sport with the launch of its second ‘Innovate’ Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
The AOC is working to recognise the heritage, culture and history of First Nations people at every level of the organisation.
Our History
Australia has been represented by 66 Indigenous Australian Olympians known to the AOC, 65 Indigenous athletes at the Summer Olympic Games and by one Indigenous athlete at the Winter Olympic Games.
Our Partnerships
The AOC has established and continued partnerships and collaborations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and other like-minded organisations. Read more for a summary of the partnerships and milestones achieved.
Walk With Us
The AOC both accepts and extends the invitation to ‘Walk with Us’.
‘Walk with Us’ was a vision that originated from the AOC’s Indigenous Advisory Committee (IAC). It underpins the AOC’s Vision for Reconciliation and reflects a reconciliation journey that is shared.
To date, the AOC has embodied this vision through the facilitation of two ‘Walk with Us’ forums. The first, inaugural ‘Walk with Us’ forum was held in November 2020.
Australian Olympic Indigenous Coaching Scholarship
In partnership with The Toyota Foundation, the AOC funded the first Inaugural Australian Olympic Indigenous Coaching Scholarship (AOICS) pilot for Indigenous coaches in the Olympic sport of basketball.
Olympics Unleashed and Australian Olympic Change-Maker
The Olympics Unleashed and Australian Olympic Change-Maker programs continues to increase their reach into remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art
Walking Together PAUL FLEMING Aboriginal Artist: Paul Fleming (Olympian – Beijing 2008, Boxing), a First Nation Australian man from Wakka Wakka Wanyurr Majay, Yuggera Country.
Ngalmun Danalaig (Our Way of Life) DAVID BOSUN
Torres Strait Artist: David Bosun, a proud Wug man and Mualgal artist from Moa Island in the Torres Strait, is one of the founders of the printmaking tradition in Zenadth Kes (the Torres Strait) and has worked in printmaking, drawing and painting for over 20 years.
Governance
The AOC Executive, Athletes Commission, and Indigenous Advisory Committee form the building blocks for consultation to guide the AOC’s reconciliation journey.
