https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/nrl/article-13929391/Footy-fans-slam-Welcome-Country-NRL-Grand-Final-2024-accusing-Indigenous-Elder-white.html
An Aboriginal woman's Welcome to Country at the 2024 NRL Grand Final has left fans divided - with some social media commentators attacking the elder's appearance
Indigenous elder Aunty Julie Jones and proud Dharug woman delivered the ceremony on Sunday evening as the Penrith Panthers took on the Melbourne Storm at Accor Stadium.
'I'd like to pay my respects to my ancestors an elders and extend that respect to everybody present here to night,' she said.
This is our traditional lands. Traditional country of our mothers, fathers, grandparents, and ancestors who have walked sung and danced this land since the beginning of our time here.
'Thank you for walking with us and strengthening the Spirit of country. On behalf of the Spirit of country.
'On behalf of the Wangal people and the wider Dharug community, thank you for bringing your hearts spirit and stories an embedding them here on this beautiful country we are so honoured to share with everyone who calls her home.
'Thank you. Welcome. Have an amazing night.'
The crowd gave the ceremony polite applause and there were many positive comments online.
'Well, that was one of the better Welcome to Countries I have heard,' a footy fan said.
'Beautiful Welcome to Country at the Grand Final,' added another. 'It was good was welcoming and fitting for the game and the crowd,' said a third.
But some other footy fans slammed the ceremony - and even attacked the Indigenous elder for her appearance.
'Here is Aboriginal Aunty Julie doing Welcome to Country at the NRL Grand Final. Pretty white for an Aboriginal. How much was she paid for this farce?' asked one fan.
'Blonde, white person giving a Welcome to Country. Joke's over can we move on from this?' questioned another
'Welcome to Country from the whitest person in the stadium,' another fan posted. Several more comments continued in this vein.
Others hit back: 'Fancy people questioning people's cultural identity. Mixed bloodlines happen in all races
'Coffee and tea is still black - no matter how much milk you mix with .
Everybody is tired of the special treatment Abos and "box tickers" get. Still they have this silly speech to make us try believe they are a protected species?!
An Aboriginal woman's Welcome to Country at the 2024 NRL Grand Final has left fans divided - with some social media commentators attacking the elder's appearance
Indigenous elder Aunty Julie Jones and proud Dharug woman delivered the ceremony on Sunday evening as the Penrith Panthers took on the Melbourne Storm at Accor Stadium.
'I'd like to pay my respects to my ancestors an elders and extend that respect to everybody present here to night,' she said.
This is our traditional lands. Traditional country of our mothers, fathers, grandparents, and ancestors who have walked sung and danced this land since the beginning of our time here.
'Thank you for walking with us and strengthening the Spirit of country. On behalf of the Spirit of country.
'On behalf of the Wangal people and the wider Dharug community, thank you for bringing your hearts spirit and stories an embedding them here on this beautiful country we are so honoured to share with everyone who calls her home.
'Thank you. Welcome. Have an amazing night.'
The crowd gave the ceremony polite applause and there were many positive comments online.
'Well, that was one of the better Welcome to Countries I have heard,' a footy fan said.
'Beautiful Welcome to Country at the Grand Final,' added another. 'It was good was welcoming and fitting for the game and the crowd,' said a third.
But some other footy fans slammed the ceremony - and even attacked the Indigenous elder for her appearance.
'Here is Aboriginal Aunty Julie doing Welcome to Country at the NRL Grand Final. Pretty white for an Aboriginal. How much was she paid for this farce?' asked one fan.
'Blonde, white person giving a Welcome to Country. Joke's over can we move on from this?' questioned another
'Welcome to Country from the whitest person in the stadium,' another fan posted. Several more comments continued in this vein.
Others hit back: 'Fancy people questioning people's cultural identity. Mixed bloodlines happen in all races
'Coffee and tea is still black - no matter how much milk you mix with .
Everybody is tired of the special treatment Abos and "box tickers" get. Still they have this silly speech to make us try believe they are a protected species?!
