Over the next two AFLW Indigenous Round matches, the Magpies will honour the gift exchange tradition with artefacts created by Leon Davis.
Gift exchanges hold significance in First Nations culture that shows respect and connection to the receiver, including their family, ancestors and community.
The meaning behind each gift is personal and reflects the identity and values of its artist which has been passed down for generations.
Davis, a proud Whadjuk / Ballardong man, shares the meaning behind each gift and reflects that these gifts are not just material items, but extensions of his own identity and heritage. A process handed down to him by his father, Trevor Davis.
“It’s something my father thought to pass down to myself and it’s a way that I stay connected to my culture,” Davis said.
In Collingwood’s Week Nine clash with Carlton, a mini coolamon will be gifted.
The mini coolamon is a vital tool that traditionally serves many different purposes and can be made in any size required.
“From carrying food, holding fire for smoking ceremonies, carrying water and newborns,” Davis explained.
The design on the mini coolamon tells the journey of people coming from different places to meet in one central place.
“We all come from different places, we all have different background and cultures. To all come together and meet to play football this weekend is something very special.”
The mini coolamon (left) is a tool that traditionally serves many different purposes. The message stick (right) is gifted to provide permission and safe passage through each other’s country.
In the Pies’ Week 10 final home-and-away game against Narrm (Melbourne), a message stick will be gifted.
Historically, it is given to neighbouring tribes to provide permission and safe passage through each other’s country.
A message stick symbolises the responsibility of safeguarding one’s land, respecting its traditional owners and honouring the tradition of sharing it with others.
Each message stick’s design is different and is a reflection to each tribe’s area, cultural customs and protocols.
“It reflects where you’re from. Someone from Adelaide, Melbourne or the Northern Territory will be completely different to where I’m from,”
“I’m from the country while others are from the ocean, so you’ll see different animals and symbols.”
Through his work as a Cultural Development Manager at Collingwood and the Barrawarn program, Davis is dedicated to educating others, having a positive influence on the community and supporting young First Nations people by helping them stay connected to their roots.
“It doesn’t matter where you come from or what your background is, everyone can meet here at the Collingwood Football Club,” Davis continued.
“It’s a safe space for them to come, deliver and succeed.”
