Yaama Ngunna Baaka facts for kids
Yaama Ngunna Baaka 2019 was a special festival that celebrated Aboriginal culture. It was like a big gathering called a Corroboree, where people came together to dance, sing, and share stories. Bruce Shillingsworth started this festival. He wanted to help people talk with Elders, who are wise leaders in Aboriginal communities.
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About the Yaama Ngunna Baaka Festival
The Yaama Ngunna Baaka festival was a series of Corroborees held along important rivers. These events took place in towns like Walgett, Brewarrina, Bourke, Wilcannia, and Menindee. Many people joined in, with about 12 different dance groups taking part. Hundreds of people traveled together in a convoy, moving from one Corroboree to the next. It was a journey to celebrate and share culture.
Celebrating Culture by the Rivers
The festival was a way to honor the deep connection Aboriginal people have with the land and rivers. Rivers are very important in Aboriginal culture. They are seen as living parts of the country. The Corroborees helped to keep ancient traditions alive. They also shared these traditions with new generations and other people.
The Barkindji People and the River
One of the Corroborees was held in Wilcannia. The Barkindji people, who are the traditional owners of that land, hosted this event. The Barkindji people have a very strong connection to the river. They worry about their culture and the river being harmed. The festival helped to highlight how important it is to protect both.
Dance Groups and Performances
Many different dance groups performed at the festival. One group, called Tal-Kin-Jeri Dance in Australia, traveled all the way from Adelaide. They performed on the final night of the festival, near Menindee. Their performance helped to close the event in a memorable way. The festival showed the rich variety of Aboriginal dances and stories.
