The Melbourne Storm have formally apologised to First Nations people for the decision to cancel the Welcome to Country ceremony on Anzac Day this year.

A planned Welcome to Country ceremony in April for Melbourne’s match against South Sydney was cancelled at the last minute, causing distress among the Wurundjeri People.

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Wurundjeri elder Aunty Joy Murphy was scheduled to perform the service at the Storm’s AAMI Park match before she was informed just hours before kick-off the Welcome to Country ceremony was no longer wanted.

Two First Nations groups were also scheduled to perform on the night, but after the confusion they all opted to cancel their performances.

The cancellation came following an incident at Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance that morning when neo-Nazis booed and heckled when Bunurong elder Mark Brown began his Welcome to Country.

The Storm later released a statement blaming a “miscommunication” for the cancellation.

“We were all just dumbfounded,” Aunty Joy told The Age at the time.

“We would dearly love to be out there, but they’ve broken our hearts.

“We want to rebuild our relationship. We want to make them (realise) that this was wrong, hurtful, deceitful and tokenistic.”

Aunty Joy has since delivered a Welcome to Country at several sporting events, including AFL games and last weekend’s Super Netball Grand Final in Melbourne.

Now ahead of this weekend’s NRL Indigenous Round, the Storm have issued a formal apology and confirmed an Acknowledgement of Country would be held at AAMI Park in Melbourne on Thursday night before the game against the Broncos.

“Melbourne Storm has been in ongoing communication with members of the Wurundjeri community following the events on ANZAC Day and has apologised to the individuals, groups, and communities involved,” the Storm said in a statement on Monday.

“The Club extends that apology to First Nations and Māori and Pasifika communities impacted.

“As we continue to engage with the local community regarding connection to the Club and cultural protocols and out of respect for those involved, the Club will recognise the traditional owners of the land through an Acknowledgement of Country on Thursday night for Indigenous Round.

“Indigenous Round presents the opportunity to not only honour the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players who have worn the purple jersey, but also the club’s commitment to creating an environment that respects and celebrates First Nations cultures — not just during Indigenous Round, but throughout the year.

“Melbourne Storm is built on the strength of our many cultures, including our longstanding relationship with First Nations and Māori and Pasifika communities and we remain committed to ensuring our social and community programs continue to make a positive impact.”

On Monday the Storm also unveiled their jersey for Indigenous Round, which features a dot painting created by Warumungu and Yawuru man David Roe (Roey).

The club said the jersey will be worn during the NRL’s Indigenous Round and is a powerful and symbolic design that represents the journey of the Club’s past and present Indigenous players.

The NRL’s Indigenous Round takes place over the next two rounds of the NRL and NRLW seasons, beginning on Thursday night in Melbourne.

Originally published as Melbourne Storm apologises for cancelling Welcome to Country ceremony