The appointment is part of the VIS’ commitment to The HP2032+ High Performance Sport Strategy partnering with the ASC to foster a culturally-safe, connected and inclusive high-performance sport environment in Victoria.
McPherson comes to the VIS with a vast range of experience in educating and developing communities on indigenous culture and history.
He worked as the Assistant Principal Ranger (Native Title) at Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services. Before that he was the Commonwealth Games Engagement Officer for the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation.
McPherson was invited to provide feedback for the Commonwealth Games Federation’s declaration on reconciliation and in partnerships with Indigenous peoples.
“I was able to provide insight and research that they had not previously known about, and I was fortunate to sit with Chief Willie Littlechild and hear his story,” McPherson said.
McPherson’s role at the VIS will focus on creating awareness and understanding of cultural practices and protocols, while also developing relationships with Traditional Custodians of the areas where the organisation is located or is visiting.
“I would like to break down barriers between different cultures and celebrate the unique opportunity we have as Australians to create an inclusive identity that celebrates, and keeps at its core, the many generations of First Nations People that walked before us and combine the new cultures that are continually shaping our society,” he said.
McPherson is passionate about creating an environment at the VIS that intrinsically includes First Nations Peoples and their cultures, histories, and communities in our storytelling and daily interactions in high-performance sport.
He is excited to enhance the VIS’ connection to country and to educate the staff and athlete cohort on indigenous culture and history.
“I am looking forward to creating positive interactions with the athletes and surrounding staff to equip them with knowledge and understanding of First Nations People,” he said.
VIS CEO Nicole Livingstone, OAM emphasised the VIS’ commitment to creating a sporting culture in Australia that understands our collective histories and seeks to promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, their living cultures and celebrates their achievements.
“We are proud to have Jamie join the VIS to educate our athletes and staff on First Nations culture and history,” Livingstone said.
“The VIS is committed to ensuring that all athletes, coaches, performance support staff, and senior leaders have knowledge, and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and the challenges they may face in the high-performance sport environments”.
McPherson will drive the delivery of the Our Connection to Country Action Plan in Victoria and will work with National Institute Network (NIN) partnered sports to deliver key actions.
By Camilla Blands
Victorian Institute of Sport
