Legacy in every stitch - How Hockey’s new RAP and First Nations strip are strengthening cultural connection

For the Kookaburras and the Hockeyroos, there’s something deeply moving about wearing a uniform that tells a story, one woven with culture, pride, and the legacy of generations.

“When we put on the ochre and black First Nations playing strip, it’s very powerful,” says Hockeyroos star and proud Wiradjuri woman, Mariah Williams.

“It’s about representing not only our culture but the history of Australia. 

“I feel like I’ve got that little extra bit of power, that little extra bit of drive to go out there and want to do the best I can, because I know I’m not only representing just myself.”

Since 2020, the men’s and women’s national teams have proudly worn a First Nations uniform as one of their two official playing kits. 
 
Designed by Kevin Bynder (Whadjuk-Yuet-Balaadong Nyungar, Widi Badimia-Amangu Yamatji) and Nova Peris (Gaagudju Peoples of the Bunitj clan of West Arnhem Land, Yawuru and Gidja Peoples of the West and East Kimberleys), the uniform has taken centre stage, sharing a powerful Australian story.

That same sense of pride and purpose runs through Hockey Australia’s newest Reconciliation Action Plan, the Innovate RAP, which three-time Olympian and AIS Share a Yarn Mentor, Mariah, helped shape.

Launched during NAIDOC week and developed by Mariah and seven members of Hockey Australia’s RAP Advisory Group, the Innovate RAP builds on the foundations of the Reflect RAP.

It outlines 16 commitments under four key pillars, relationships, respect, opportunities, and governance, all aimed at making hockey more inclusive, accessible, and culturally aware across Australia.

Hockeyroo #501 and HA Social Impact & Participation Coordinator Greta Hayes says now is the right time to advance the work Hockey Australia has started within the community.

“Since launching our Reflect RAP in June 2023, we’ve done a great job of increasing exposure to hockey all over Australia, especially in remote and regional communities,” Greta said.

“The next step is to ensure we are fostering buy-in and continuity for players who are being exposed to the game, while enabling a pathway through club levels and further.

“If we can embrace culture and history and bring clubs and states and territories on the journey, we can remove the barriers that stop kids from continuing. It’s important to us that we have people from all backgrounds playing and remaining in hockey in Australia.”

Commitments are already underway, from Acknowledgement of Country workshops to partnerships with Aspire, and a renewed focus on increasing opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples at every level of the game.

And the vision goes even further: an updated Indigenous uniform is currently in development.

“We don’t know exactly what the new Indigenous uniform will look like yet, but we’re working on it through a dedicated group,” Mariah added.

“It’s a really exciting time, and I hope what we’re creating now inspires the next generation to feel just as proud, powerful, and connected when they wear it.”