Traditional Indigenous Games

Traditional Indigenous Games (TIG), an initiative supported by the Australian Sports Commission, provides the opportunity to learn about, appreciate and experience aspects of Aboriginal culture.

Aim and target group

The program aimed to provide a link for students to their culture and, in some instances, a reason to maintain attendance at school. The games also aim to provide essential training in social interaction. Both secondary and primary school aged students were targeted for the program.

Project overview

The Department of  Sport and Recreation conducted a program incorporating TIG on the South Coast of NSW.

Students from secondary schools in the Nowra district were invited to attend a leadership day to train as TIG instructors at Berry Sport and Recreation Centre. The training was conducted by an Aboriginal Development Officer.

Fifteen students participated in the program, with the aim of teaching TIG to primary aged children. Four secondary school aged students were selected to host primary students in a TIG Day attended by primary school age students.

What worked well?

Secondary students who attended the leadership day showed increased confidence at school, with ‘difficult’ students demonstrating improved behaviour. Some students remarked, 'it was the best day they had ever had'.

What would be done differently?

The program could be expanded to include more schools from the Wollongong region.

Trained secondary school aged leaders could be invited to assist with community programs as well as school programs involving PCYC, potentially leading to employment opportunities. The games could also be used by schools as part of their peer support programs.

Where to now?

This is an ongoing program which will expand to take in more primary schools. The program will be evaluated every six months, with the introduction of more leadership camps and the expansion to an inter-town competition that will have the primary schools competing in selected Aboriginal sports. Selected high school students will plan and run the day.

The next step is to expand the popular ‘train the trainer’ days to more people within the community as well as school teachers.

Contact your closest NSW Sport and Recreation Aboriginal Sports Development Officer to ascertain if it is culturally appropriate to conduct TIG in certain communities.