Hawks launch another Reconciliation Action Plan

Hawthorn Football Club has formally declared its commitment to recognizing and celebrating First Nations people through an enhanced Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). This initiative reflects the club’s dedication to promoting reconciliation and fostering a deeper understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, cultures, and histories.

The new RAP, part of Hawthorn’s broader First Nations strategy, is guided by the club’s First Nations Advisory Committee. This committee ensures that the club remains a culturally safe workplace and provides independent advice to the Board.

Following the achievements of the inaugural Innovate RAP, which included integrating several actions into the club’s core business, the impact of COVID-19 left some items pending. Consequently, Hawthorn has opted to consolidate its progress with a second Innovate RAP for 2024-2026, setting the stage for transitioning to a Stretch RAP by 2027.

Hawthorn’s reconciliation vision is to ensure that all Australians understand and value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and contributions, while fostering a culturally safe and nurturing environment for players, staff, and fans, both past and present.

The First Nations Strategy identifies five key focus areas to guide the club’s journey towards reconciliation:
1. Understanding the past to create a pathway for the future
2. Addressing racism and making change
3. Ensuring cultural safety at Hawthorn Football Club
4. Embracing the First Nations Community
5. Providing code leadership

The RAP is Hawthorn’s formal commitment to advancing the interests and outcomes for First Peoples under the pillars of Relationships, Respect, Opportunities, and Governance.

Hawthorn President Andy Gowers stated:
“At Hawthorn, our commitment is to continually listen, learn, and ensure our environment is culturally safe for all. This is how we create a club that delivers positive social outcomes and fosters an environment where First Nations people can thrive. This 2024-2026 Innovate RAP provides a clear, practical plan for our reconciliation journey and honors the contribution of First Nations people to our club and community.”

Hawthorn Chief Executive Officer Ash Klein added:
“This is Hawthorn’s formal commitment to drive reconciliation at all levels of the organization. Our Innovate RAP offers a framework to continue important steps toward a better future. We aim high, creating an environment for First Nations people to thrive and inspiring change across the league as leaders in this space.”

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