“A responsibility that I don’t take lightly,” Cedar, National Indigenous camp returns to the AIS

The National Indigenous Performance Camp (NIPC) returns to the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in Canberra, building on the success of the program’s inaugural camp in 2025. 

Young Indigenous athletes from every state and territory will come together for the three-day camp from the 4th to the 6th of September, working with experienced coaches and mentors while developing their basketball, confidence and connection to culture and community. 

Among those attending is Queenslander Jay Sebasio, fresh from a bronze medal campaign with the Australian Sapphires at the FIBA U17 World Cup in Czechia.  

For Sebasio, the camp presents a chance to challenge herself while continuing to grow both on and off the court. 

“I’m most excited to challenge myself, meet new people and be part of an environment where I can grow both as an athlete and as a person.” 

The camp will also provide Sebasio with an opportunity to connect with fellow Indigenous athletes from around Australia and learn from coaches who understand the importance of culture and identity. 

“It means a lot to be around people who share a similar background and understand the importance of culture and community,” Sebasio said. 

“I think it’s a really special opportunity to meet athletes from different parts of Australia, hear their stories and build connections that go beyond basketball.” 

Sebasio will be led throughout the camp by women’s head coach Mahaela Jackson, who strives to build a culturally safe environment for her athletes. 

“Having a culturally safe and understanding environment is pivotal for young Indigenous athletes as it provides the opportunity to develop their basketball and pursue pathways without potentially feeling the need to hide or minimise their connection to culture,” Jackson said. 

For Jackson, the camp is about more than developing the athletes on court, with building confidence and a strong sense of identity critical to their development. 

“First and foremost the opportunity to pursue their basketball with confidence and strong sense of self as athletes and proud Indigenous youth.” 

“And I hope it may open new windows of opportunity in further high performance pathways.” 

Jackson and men’s head coach Chris Cedar will both embrace their roles, aiming to push their athletes to deal with the challenges that will come along the way. 

“I want to see them come in with energy, confidence and a willingness to connect. I want them to compete, challenge themselves and step outside their comfort zones,” Cedar said. 

“Hopefully, they leave the camp better basketballers, stronger people and proud of who they are and where they come from.” 

Like Jackson, Cedar believes cultural connection is central to creating an environment where young Indigenous athletes can thrive. 

“It’s extremely important. When young First Nation athletes feel culturally safe and connected, they can be themselves and play with confidence,” Cedar said.  

“Basketball and culture shouldn’t have to be separated. This camp gives athletes the opportunity to learn from First Nation coaches and role models, build relationships with other young people and strengthen their sense of identity and belonging. That connection can be just as powerful as anything we teach them on the court.” 

With both head coaches bringing their own experiences to their groups, the importance of this camp hasn’t been lost on either coach. 

“It’s a real privilege, but it’s also a responsibility that I don’t take lightly. I’ve been fortunate to play basketball professionally and experience the game at a high level so being able to pass those lessons on to the next generation means a lot to me,” says Cedar. 

Jackson shares a similar sentiment, “To be given a Head Coach role for this camp with the opportunity to mentor and guide our upcoming Indigenous talent, is an absolute honour.” 

The sense of identity and belonging will also be reflected in the camp’s uniforms and artwork, designed by Kenita Bush, a proud Dalabon woman from the Northern Territory.  

The artwork tells the story of a young person’s journey, with the many choices we face as an opportunity to learn and grow. A fitting theme for a camp designed to help young Indigenous talent take the next step in their journeys. 

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