Artist educating next generation through
FOR Badu Island artist Naseli Tamwoy, it is all about education.
It is remarkable for the Weipa-based mine worker to be collaborating with current and former NBA basketballers like Patty Mills and Nate Jawai, having his designs showcased around the world.
And, of course, there is the extra money that comes along with it all.
But, for the father of three, it is all about educating the next generation of his culture and guiding those who do not understand it.
The Taipans will wear a
Tamwoy and Jawai specially designed jersey this evening in the first ever league-wide indigenous round, showcasing culture as well as celebrating former indigenous basketballers.
“Any time an opportunity arises about education and promoting the unknown of my culture, I take it and grasp it with both hands,” Tamwoy said.
“It is unknown for some people, they get to look at the design and get an understanding of who we are and how we have a relationship with it all.
“For myself, it is not about money, it is an educational tool.
“It is such a great opportunity to take on board and to showcase our Torres Strait culture through basketball.”
Hoops and art being together is nothing new for Tamwoy, last year creating custom shoes for NBA guard Mills for the games between the Australian indigenous Basketball team and the Kingdom of Hawai’i and the FIBA Basketball World Cup.
The Snakes will wear a unique jersey for the round, created by Tamwoy with his artwork titled Lagaw Dhanalayg, meaning “Ailan Life”.
“It is special,” Jawai said.
“It is a long time coming to have a round like this, there has been a few indigenous guys before me, and now we have an indigenous round.
“It is special now for the whole indigenous community.”
And, how will Tamwoy feel this evening when the Snakes likely clinch a 2019-20 finals position while wearing his designs?
“It will be emotional, I will have my three children there with me at the game,” Tamwoy said.
“I want my kids to be proud of who they are in this modern day society.
“You have to be proud of your identity, your culture and be confident about it.”
The NBL’s inaugural indigenous Round started on Wednesday night and runs all weekend.
The NBL will work with its key stakeholders to develop a Reconciliation Action Plan to support the national reconciliation movement.
The round will recognise and acknowledge indigenous culture and basketball across Australia and New Zealand.
All indigenous round games will include a Welcome to Country, an Acknowledgement of Country, and other indigenous integrations.
Key members of indigenous communities will be invited to all games.