The North Queensland Cowboys honour and revere the land’s traditional custodians as well as their elders, both past and present. On the areas where we meet, congregate, and play, we respect the tales, customs, and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Celebrating Indigenous Heritage Through Sport
The North Queensland Cowboys deeply respect the cultural legacy and ongoing contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. As a club rooted in the heart of North Queensland, the Cowboys are committed to recognising the Traditional Custodians of the lands where we gather, compete, and grow. This acknowledgment is not just ceremonial—it’s a living promise to honour the stories, cultures, and customs that have shaped this land for tens of thousands of years.
Indigenous heritage plays a vital role in the club’s identity. From community programs to special game-day celebrations like Indigenous Round, the Cowboys actively promote awareness, education, and inclusivity. The club’s involvement with local Indigenous communities includes grassroots rugby league clinics, mentorship programs for young athletes, and partnerships with schools to foster cultural understanding and pride.
The Cowboys also proudly wear specially designed Indigenous jerseys each year, created by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists who embed deep meanings, stories, and spiritual connections into every design. These jerseys are more than uniforms—they’re symbols of respect and unity. Through sport, the Cowboys aim to be a bridge that brings communities together and inspires the next generation of Indigenous leaders and athletes.
Walking Together: Reconciliation and Respect
Reconciliation is at the heart of the Cowboys’ values. Recognising past injustices while working toward a more inclusive and respectful future is a responsibility the club embraces with sincerity and purpose. The Cowboys’ Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) outlines initiatives that promote cultural safety, Indigenous employment, and educational opportunities within the club and the wider community.
By engaging with local Elders and community leaders, the Cowboys ensure their actions reflect genuine respect and partnership. Traditional Welcome to Country ceremonies, language inclusion, and cultural education sessions are integrated into key events, fostering understanding and mutual appreciation.
The Cowboys’ support doesn’t end at recognition—it extends into action. They invest in programs that tackle systemic barriers faced by Indigenous Australians, such as access to quality education, health, and employment pathways. By amplifying Indigenous voices and experiences, the club seeks to foster unity both on and off the field.
In every huddle, training session, and match, the Cowboys carry the spirit of Country with them. This connection to land, culture, and community is not only celebrated but upheld as a guiding principle. As we continue to meet, congregate, and play, the North Queensland Cowboys reaffirm their commitment to respecting the past, embracing the present, and building a future of shared strength and harmony.
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