Fejo sisters explain First Nations Round importance

NBL1 Central star sisters, Renai and Jasmin Fejo, shared their family’s history, the lands of which they grew up on and what First Nations Round means to them, on the latest episode of The NBL1 Show.

This week, First Nations communities will be recognised and celebrated throughout the NBL1, as the league holds its annual First Nations Round as part of NAIDOC Week.

Renai, Central Districts Lions’ guard, emphasised the importance of the pairs’ upbringing on uniting with their family members from across the nation, and developing knowledge on the hundreds of tribes that live across Australia.

“We originate from Larrakia - which is Darwin – from our grandfather’s side. From our Father’s Mother’s side, is also Ngalakan and Jawoyn which is down in the Katherine region, we’ve lived all over Australia basically,” Renai said.

“This has really been a significant part of our lives because we’ve been able to meet a lot of our family across the nation, because we’re scattered everywhere which is nice.

“You’ve got so many different tribes across Australia, it’s not three or four in the one region, on Kaurna land in the SA region, there’s hundreds.

“Being able to, for myself, learn off of all of the other tribes as well, and understand what they do and their tribes and vice versa.”

First Nations communities will be recognised and celebrated throughout the Coles Express NBL1 this week, as the league holds its annual First Nations Round as part of NAIDOC Week.

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Renai’s sister Jasmin, a West Adelaide Bearcat, spoke on the rise of education around First Nations communities.

“Everyone in NBL1 Central now, I’m pretty sure all the clubs are involved. It’s a lot more consistent,” Jasmin said.

“Everyone is now starting to have a voice and it’s really good to see everyone coming together as one.”

She also explained the importance of her facing her sister in First Nations Round in front of their family.

“It’s amazing to be a part of, our family is very much involved in First Nations Round.”

The Fejo sisters will go head-to-head on Sunday at 3:30pm ACST. You can watch the game live and free on NBL1.com.au or the NBL1 App.

To watch the full interview on The NBL1 Show with host Megan Hustwaite, head to NBL1.com.au, the NBL1 App, or the NBL1 YouTube channel.