Proud Indigenous players Will Kennedy, Braydon Trindall, Jada Taylor and Quincy Dodd represented the Sharks and engaged with the community at a reflective Sunset Cultural Ceremony last Thursday.
Led by local Aboriginal Elders as part of the Sutherland Shire Council's Australia Day weekend program, about 1500 attendees gathered at the picturesque Burnum Burnum Sanctuary, along the Woronora River, in solemn and respectful recognition that January 26 is a day of mourning for many First Nations people.
Kennedy, Trindall, Taylor and Dodd took part in yarning circles, where Elders told profound stories of Indigenous history and survival, while also meeting fellow guests including Sutherland Shire Mayor Carmelo Pesce.
While not on Sharks duties, Nicho Hynes attended the ceremony with his family.
Local Elder Dean Kelly said the occasion provided "the opportunity to join us in this important conversation about who we are as people in this country".
The event included a welcoming ceremony with stirring cultural dances as well as plenty of Indigenous stallholders selling art and other traditional items.
NRLW fullback Taylor, who is also the Sharks Have Heart Indigenous Programs Coordinator, added: "It means a lot that the local area has put on such a big event to celebrate our culture and people and the significance around the 26th of January.
"Each event like this is one step closer to a better Australia."
Dodd, a five-time Indigenous All Stars representative who captained the team last year, further explained: "It's very important to engage with local Elders at the ceremony because they hold all our history and stories.
"We respect and learn from them."
The Sharks are committed to furthering Indigenous causes in the community, having successfully run the Deadly Choices program since 2020.
The club also has a Reconciliation Action Plan in place and supports local initiatives.
