08 NAIDOC
THURSDAY 6 JULY 2023 TORRES NEWS
Celebrating culture: from remote Torres Strait to biggest NAIDOC Week event in the country
Pic courtesy of Nadja Mack.
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The Thaiwa Dance Team lit up centre stage with traditional song, dance and language of the Torres Strait at the 2023 National NAIDOC Week Award Ceremony in Meeanjin (Brisbane) last weekend (Saturday 1 July). For some of the team from the remote community of Iama (Yam Island), it was also their first time travelling to South East Queensland. The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) funded the 14-member traditional dance group to make the 4,000km+ round trip to perform in the Queensland capital. Thaiwa Dance Team Member Nellie Lui said the team represented a small, yet culturally strong community. “We come from the proud island of Iama, which is home to about 300 people,” Ms Lui said. “For some of us, this was our first trip to Brisbane and performing for large audiences. “To share our culture with hundreds of guests at the event and thousands more watching on screens across Australia is a big achievement for us. “Our songs and dances tell the stories of our old people and history carried through the generations, we hope we made our Elders proud.” TSRA Chairperson Napau Pedro
Stephen AM said NAIDOC Week was an important opportunity to celebrate Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal traditions and achievements. “TSRA proudly supported the Thaiwa Dance Team’s journey from Iama to Brisbane to share their beautiful songs, harmonies and culture with the nation,” Mr Stephen said. “It is the first time a traditional dance group from Kulkalgal Nation, the central islands of the Torres Strait, has performed at the National NAIDOC Week Award ceremony. “It is always a proud moment to see Torres Strait Islander cultures represented, recognised and celebrated on the national stage.” The National NAIDOC Week Award Ceremony was the premiere NAIDOC Week event. The televised 1 July performance also coincided with Coming of the Light, an important anniversary in the Torres Strait, which commemorates the arrival of Christianity and its influence across the region. National NAIDOC Week 2023 runs from 2 – 9 July with the theme For Our Elders. Visit www.naidoc.org.au for more information. Learn more about TSRA at www.tsra.gov.au or follow us on Facebook. Pics supplied.
