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 Dreamtime Curtain Raiser - 18.05.2012 14:32

Interactive Indigenous Players' Map

The AFL Players' Association has launched the first ever Interactive Indigenous Players' Map to highlight the cultural diversity amongst Indigenous players.

www.aflplayers.com.au/interactive_map

Featuring 79 current players from 41 language and/or cultural groups in Australia, the map aims to inform and educate the football community and wider public on the various language and cultural groups of Indigenous AFL players.

Adam Goodes, AFL Players’ Indigenous Advisory Board Chairman said, "Indigenous players represent a diverse range of language groups across the country. The different language groups each have their own distinct traditions and culture and can differ greatly between each group.

"The Indigenous Advisory Board worked together with the Players’ Association on the concept of the map, and we are thrilled to see it brought to life to celebrate Indigenous Round and the contribution of Indigenous players to the game.

"The map profiles each of our countries – not necessarily where we were recruited from, but where our families originate from. It is important for us to share our stories and where we come from with each other, and the interactive map is a way of sharing this with the wider community."

Interactive Indigenous Player Map Facts:

• There were once over 250 known language groups across Australia
• Each language group has its own distinct culture and traditions
• There are currently 79 Indigenous players on AFL lists
• In 2012, Indigenous Players represent 41 language and/or cultural groups
• Cultural groups are a collective of language groups who have a common cultural identity
• The largest cluster of players is in the Noongar (Southwest Region of WA) cultural group with 33 players originating specifically from here
• The AFL Players’ Association Indigenous Advisory Board is the first of its kind in Australian sport, and was established by players to continue to improve the AFL landscape for Indigenous players
• The Advisory Board liaises directly with the Players’ Association to provide guidance on the development of the programs and support services which directly relate to Indigenous players within the AFL