2021 Reconciliation Week

“Reconciliation is about bringing people together to work alongside each other for a better future.”

- Shaun Burgoyne

National Reconciliation Week (27 May to 3 June) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

This year’s theme – More than a word - Reconciliation takes action – urges the reconciliation movement towards braver and more impactful action.

Our Indigenous jumper

Hawthorn will again wear the proud Indigenous guernsey in Rounds 10 and 11 this season. For this year's iteration, Hawthorn have collaborated with popular Indigenous Australian Art business, Miimi & Jiinda, founded by Aboriginal mother and daughter duo, Lauren Jarrett and Melissa Greenwood.

This specially created painting depicts the core values, ethos and heart of the Hawthorn Football Club community. It shows everyone coming together as one and has all the elements of the Australian landscape including land, sea, waterways, flora, fauna, sun, moon and stars.  

The front of our guernsey tells the story of the Hawthorn community coming together from different homes and tribes across our country. We see the journey of all the families travelling under the sun or the stars to gather in a central meeting place. Mother Earth features at the bottom to show that we are all born from the same place despite coming from all walks of life. This is represented by the different watering holes in the background.

 The back of our guernsey is reflective of giving back to the community, which is the very backbone of Hawthorn Football Club.

The circle representing family sits on the inside neck of our guernsey. It’s located on the highest point of the guernsey, which speaks to family being the highest priority, sitting above all else.

"We love that it is unique, it’s a beautiful mix of feminine and masculine tones and textiles, and it carries a powerful message and story. We worked closely with the team to ensure they felt their voices and connection was portrayed in the design and they felt proud to wear it." - Melissa Greenwood and Lauren Jarrett, Miimi & Jiinda

Shop our Indigenous Guernsey at HawksNest. 

My Culture

Our Hawthorn players share stories of their Indigenous backgrounds and culture.

Hawthorn's commitment to reconciliation

In 2019, the club proudly launched its inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan, a document that laid the groundwork towards fulfilling the club’s aspirations of becoming leaders in community connection to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. 

Hawthorn is committed to overcoming barriers of the past by using its unique position to engage Hawks staff and stakeholders in reconciliation as well as continually finding new ways to drive reconciliation and engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander partners through all facets of the business.

Colour-in Tarrakukk

Thanks to Gunditjmara, Wemba Wemba and Yorta Yorta artist Tom Day, Hawks fans can download and colour-in or paint your own Tarrakukk (Hawk).

Acknowledgement of Country

Hawthorn Football Club acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional owners of the lands and waters on which we live, learn, work and play. We pay respect to Elders both past and present and stand together with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders of today and tomorrow. Always.

Our Vision

Our vision for reconciliation is that all Australians understand and value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and contributions whilst fostering a culturally safe and nurturing environment all our past, current and future players, staff and fans.

We have identified five areas of focus within our First Nations Strategy which will guide us on our journey towards realising our vision for reconciliation:

1. Understanding the past to create a pathway for the future
2. Addressing racism and making change
3. Ensuring cultural safety at Hawthorn Football Club
4. Embracing the First Nations community
5. Providing code leadership

Within the strategy, this Reconciliation Action Plan is our statement to commitment to advancing the interests and outcomes for First Nations People under the pillars of Relationships, Respect, Opportunities and Governance.

It is intended to be aspirations, so we can aim high and create an environment for First Nations people to thrive.

To view our Reconciliation Action Plan please click the button below.