JackJumpers drop use of planned Indigenous themed jersey

The NBL’s Tasmania JackJumpers have acknowledged the need for improved consultation processes over their proposed use of an Indigenous themed jersey for last Saturday’s round 6 clash against the Brisbane Bullets.

Announced by the JackJumpers in the lead up to the NBL’s Indigenous round, the club dropped the apparel following a complaint from the Tasmania Aboriginal Centre that its dot art feature misrepresents Palawa-pakana techniques and is not a part of their story.

Retailers were also ordered to take the jerseys off racks, although several hundred had already been sold in the few days since they were released.

As a result, the JackJumpers wore one of its regular jerseys during their first game at Launceston's Silverdome this NBL season.

The controversy has opened up a debate on whether Aboriginal customs and traditions evolve, and what part does the system of lore, the body of knowledge on matters dealing with stories, beliefs and spirituality play that some mobs hold on tightly as the custodians to pass onto the next generations by word of mouth.

The JackJumpers, for their part, admitted they did not consult with the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre or its community beforehand, but are purportedly still standing by the work of Huon Valley Indigenous artist Reuben Oates.

The club's released a statement on Tuesday afternoon that did not attach specific responsibility for the outcome, but "respectfully acknowledge concerns expressed by the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre.

"The club acknowledges there should have been further consultation with (Tasmania) Aboriginal community throughout selection and artistry process, and it will continue to work closely with the broader Tasmanian Aboriginal community moving forward.

"The JackJumpers have undertaken extensive cultural awareness education, having previously worked with the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre, and the Aboriginal Elders Council of Tasmania and University of Tasmania."

JackJumpers Chief Executive, Christine Finnigan told WIN Tasmania "could the process be improved? Absolutely?"

"And I certainly will be working with them all into the future to make sure that's the case."

Speaking on behalf of the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre, Rulla Kelly-Mansell believes dot painting to represent Palawa culture is tantamount to employing plagiarism from other mobs, advising “although (the design) might look nice, what you see on that jersey is really highly offensive to the Palawa-pakana and to community and to culture.

"It's not anyone's decision to decide culture - culture is culture - and it's a part of us just like we're a part of it."

Image: Tasmania JackJumpers players lineup in the club's Indigenous jersey at its launch. Credit: Tasmania JackJumpers.