Multiple Tasmanian Aboriginal associations have come out in support of a local artist whose cultural design for the Tasmania JackJumpers was labeled as ‘offensive’ by one major indigenous body.
Aboriginal artist Reuben Oates created the jersey for the team originally intended to be worn during this weekend’s Indigenous round, but his use of ‘dot art’ faced criticism from the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre.
Since the team cancelled their plans and removed the jersey from sale on Tuesday night, both the South East Tasmanian Aboriginal Corporation and Circular Head Aboriginal Corporation have both shared messages of support for Oates.
The Circular Head Aboriginal Corporation expressed their disappointment at the decision to “renounce” the design.
“Don’t let this stop you from doing great work Reuben and know that Aboriginal community all around Tasmania support you,” the corporation wrote.
“The same can be said for all community, don’t let this disempower you as an Aboriginal person, and continuing reaching for your goals and sharing culture.”
The South East Tasmanian Aboriginal Corporation said they were “very proud” to see Oates selected to design the jersey and urged for it to be “worn as intended”.
“We commend Tasmania Jack Jumpers for being inclusive and for giving a very talented young Aboriginal man from South East Tasmania a platform to share his culture,” they wrote.
“We hope to see this excellent representation of Aboriginal people and culture back in rotation and for it to be worn as intended.”
“It’s vital that the Tasmanian Aboriginal community are part of any planning or any processes in the lead up to ensure that it is authentic and is a proper representation of our people and culture,” she said.
“We can work with different sporting clubs to ensure that the artwork and the people representing our culture are authentic.”
Former Tasmanian Aboriginal of the Year Rulla Kelly-Mansell, who immediately got in touch with the club after seeing the design last week, said it was “misrepresentation” of their culture.
“In our culture we don’t use dot art, we never have,” he said.
“Although it might look nice, what you see on that jersey is really highly offensive to palawa and pakana people, community and culture.”
