Melbourne Storm apologises to First Nations, Maori and Pasifika communities over Welcome to Country error
Melbourne Storm has apologised to First Nations and Maori and Pasifika communities after the club cancelled a Welcome to Coutnry ceremony during the Anzac Day round.
The ceremony was scheduled to take place before the match against South Sydney but the reason it didn't go ahead was described as an internal miscommuncation.
Now ahead of Indigenous Round, the club has released a statement, addressing the incident.
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"Melbourne Storm has been in ongoing communication with members of the Wurundjeri community following the events on Anzac Day and has apologised to the individuals, groups, and communities involved," the statement read.
"The club extends that apology to First Nations and Māori and Pasifika communities impacted.
Melbourne Storm players on Anzac Day. Getty
"As we continue to engage with the local community regarding connection to the club and cultural protocols and out of respect for those involved, the club will recognise the traditional owners of the land through an Acknowledgement of Country on Thursday night for Indigenous round.
"Indigenous Round presents the opportunity to not only honour the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players who have worn the purple jersey, but also the club's commitment to creating an environment that respects and celebrates First Nations cultures — not just during Indigenous round, but throughout the year."
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Three months ago when the cancellation was first reported, Storm chairman Matt Tripp expressed his disappointment.
"To have a miscommunication deem us as non-sensitive to Welcome to Country and beyond that, a part of Australian customs, that has upset me greatly," he said.
