The Ngarinyin/Worrora performers (Tribes of the Wanjina) who have travelled all the way from the Gibb River Region will perform a variety of traditional dance and will include a special performance of Junba (totem performance).
The large magnificent dance totems that feature in the performances are unique to the Kimberley region.
The Ngarinyin people are the custodians for the Wandjina which is the iconic spiritually cultural figure that features in cave art throughout the West Kimberley.
These performances are of special significance as they demonstrate the continuity of culture by a younger generation of traditional performers.
Their dance will include a performance of The Yagan Dance.
Yagan was a Whadjuk Noongar man. He gained notoriety for his courage and daring in resisting the European settlement of Noongar land.
A Noongar Story that spread far – into the Kimberley and was re told through our dance.
The Wandjina People are holders of this song.
This will be the first time this Dance has been performed on Noongar country.
Rarely are these incredible performances seen outside of the Kimberley, and it is an absolute honour to have them join us at the festival.
The Ngarinyin dancers will also host a body painting demonstration. It will provide an opportunity for visitors to gain understanding of the meaning of ochre painting and the symbolism behind it, how ochre is a valued commodity and trade item amongst indigenous people and how it connects people to country and homelands.
The Ngarinyin dancers will be performing both evenings at 6:00pm on the DEPOT LAWN (outside Ticket Office)
The Body Painting Demonstration will happen on Sunday 4:45pm-5:45pm at the Kaartdijin Tent in The Arboretum
