Breaking Barriers: The Commonwealth Sport Declaration Uniting for Indigenous Empowerment
At just 16 years old, Cathy Freeman etched her name into history during the 1990 Commonwealth Games in Auckland, where she became the first female Aboriginal athlete to clinch a Commonwealth Games gold medal in the 4x100 meter relay.
Beyond showcasing Freeman's exceptional athletic prowess, this monumental achievement marked a breakthrough for Indigenous Peoples in sports.
As we celebrate the 34th anniversary of the 1990 Auckland Games and honour Freeman's historic feats, it is crucial to delve into the broader context of Indigenous representation and acknowledgment within the Commonwealth Sport Movement, a perspective underscored by the recent Commonwealth Sport Declaration on Reconciliation and Partnership with Indigenous Peoples.
Freeman's unwavering commitment to recognising her Aboriginal ancestry came to the forefront at the 1994 Commonwealth Games in British Columbia, Canada. With a determination to carry her people and culture with her through every triumph, she unfurled the Aboriginal flag following her victory in the 400m sprint. At that time, the flag wasn't officially recognized as an Australian flag, but for Freeman, it symbolised not only pride but also the struggles and hardships of her ancestors.
The day after her victory, controversy erupted back in Australia when the country's chef de mission, Arthur Tunstall, insisted that all Australians must compete under a single flag and attempted to ban Freeman from carrying the Indigenous standard.
Undeterred, Freeman defiantly united the two flags and proudly paraded them once more after her historic win in the 200m final.
Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating stood firmly in support, expressing his approval through a telegram in which he acknowledged Freeman's gesture of carrying both the Australian and Indigenous flags.
Keating, reflecting on the Games, noted that they had unveiled a prevailing sentiment among Australians favoring the reconciliation of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities.
Australian Commonwealth Games Association President Ray Godkin also weighed in, adding his support for Freeman's actions.
The incident became a touchstone for discussions on national identity, heritage, and the ongoing process of reconciliation in Australia.
Freeman's legacy as a trailblazer for Indigenous athletes reverberates not just in her personal triumphs but also in the broader narrative of the Commonwealth Sport Movement's commitment to reconciliation and partnership with Indigenous Peoples. The 1990 Commonwealth Games breakthrough set the stage for a paradigm shift, challenging stereotypes and paving the way for future generations of Indigenous athletes.
Fast forward to the present, the Commonwealth Sport Movement has taken a monumental step forward with the approval of the Commonwealth Sport Declaration on Reconciliation and Partnership with Indigenous Peoples. Announced at the General Assembly in November 2023, this landmark declaration signifies a dedication to addressing historical injustices and fostering a more inclusive and empowering sports community.
The declaration outlines ten actions aimed at promoting reconciliation and partnership with Indigenous Peoples in sports. These actions encompass various facets, from promoting well-being in its physical, cultural, spiritual, and mental dimensions to acknowledging and rectifying historical injustices. Each action holds profound implications for the representation and recognition of Indigenous athletes globally.
A pivotal aspect of the declaration emphasises the necessity of ensuring equal participation and representation. This involves implementing quotas or targets to ensure fair representation of Indigenous athletes in national and international sports competitions, addressing historical disparities and striving for equal opportunities and visibility.
Former Chief and Co-Chair of the Indigenous Working Group, Ava Hill, presenting to the General Assembly in person, shed light on the declaration's significance, drawing attention to the historical injustices faced by Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Hill emphasises reconciliation as an ongoing process requiring awareness, acknowledgment, atonement, and action for meaningful change, citing sports like lacrosse as tools for empowerment and healing for Indigenous youth.
The Commonwealth Sport Declaration, with its universal commitments spanning well-being, policy development, sport development, culture, youth engagement, access to and participation in sports, and the importance of Indigenous athlete role models, provides a roadmap for organizations to challenge existing disparities and promote inclusivity.
As the declaration is embraced, the Indigenous Working Group, under Hill's leadership, outlines future steps, encouraging engagement and collaboration with Commonwealth Games Associations (CGAs), promoting the declaration, and urging wider sports stakeholders to adopt its principles. The group's commitment to regular monitoring and review ensures accountability and progress toward the declaration's outlined goals.
Cathy Freeman's historic achievements laid the foundation for a more inclusive and diverse Commonwealth Sport Movement. The Commonwealth Sport Declaration on Reconciliation and Partnership with Indigenous Peoples, backed by Hill's insightful speech, signifies a significant leap toward fostering a sports community that values and respects the contributions of Indigenous athletes. This declaration is more than a mere document; it is a catalyst for positive change, embodying the spirit of reconciliation and collaboration on a global scale.
