Indigenous Culture in Sports

I've always been well aware of the Haka performed by the New Zealand Rugby team before their games to intimidate their opponents. Whilst looking through some of those videos I came across a few for the Australian Indigenous NRL team and found them to be so interesting. The way the man spoke of the elders was so different from the speeches normally given on sports ground and spoke yards for the culture both here and in New Zealand and how they've managed to keep hold of their roots and traditions. 

Prior to Melbourne Storm's Anzac Day clash against the New Zealand Warriors at AAMI Park, Wurundjeri Elder Uncle Bill performed a Welcome to Country, followed by a traditional smoking ceremony with members of his tribe. Following this the Jindi Worabak Dancers performed a traditional Maori dance followed by an exchange of gifts between the indigenous elders and acknowledgement by the Maori people.

The rivalry between the dances is great as well. It shows that one can compete with one another, yet accept the way they do things where they're from. That many cultures still hold strong traditions that may be different to our own but are no less valuable or necessary. I found it interesting how you can see relations between the two not only in clothing but in the style of the dances and instruments as well. It's unnecessary to understand exactly what they're saying or doing as it's the emotion and the principle that is still successfully being conveyed. Which is great!