" I've always believed that if you can't say something nice about someone, don't say anything at all. So I'll start by saying that the interest in Aboriginal culture by the two talented Russian figure skaters, Oksana Domnina and Maxim Shabalin, is both welcome and flattering.

And while I'm still saying nice things, I commend Fairfax media and the National Times for drawing people's attention to the skaters and their recent appearance at the Russian National Figure Skating Championships. The report was on the couple's performance of what they call an "Aboriginal dance", while wearing costumes that they believe help lend credibility to that claim.

The depiction — and protection — of the Aboriginal image on the world stage is obviously a matter of great importance to my people.

From an Aboriginal perspective, this performance is offensive. It was clearly not meant to mock Aboriginal culture, but that does not make it acceptable to Aboriginal people. There are a number of problems with the performance, not least of all the fact both skaters are wearing brown body suits to make their skin appear darker. That alone puts them on a very slippery slope."

Get the Story:
Bev Manton: Russian ice dancers should rethink their routine (The Age 1/21)

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'Aboriginal' skating routine has Russian pair on thin ice (The Age 1/21)