Cultural Authorisation - our moment in history

Nywaigi dancers begin the unity dance watched on by dancers from the Gulngay, Djiru and Warrgamay peoples.

The power of unity was celebrated in the biggest gathering of our dancers in decades at Mungalla Station, Nywaigi Country on 29 November.

It was a very powerful and emotional moment as more than 50 dancers, representing the nine Traditional Owner groups of the Girringun region, the Bandjin, Djiru, Gugu Badhun, Girramay, Jirrbal, Nywaigi, Warrgamay and Warungu peoples, danced together on the buya ground.

Despite the late afternoon storms and heavy downpours, the unity fire never went out. Many of the 300 people gathered believed the ancestors (wiggi jaddan) were speaking to us throughout the storms, ensuring that healing took place as the dancers danced around the unity shield created by Uncle Abe Muriata, Girramay Senior Elder, to represent cultural designs from each of the nine tribes of Girringun.

The dancing followed the signing of the official Cultural Authorisation and Maja Agreement. Five of our nine Traditional Owner groups have formally committed to the next step towards seeking self-determination through a comprehensive settlement. Bandjin, Gulngay, Girramay, Nywaigi and Warrgamay. Conversations are still continuing with other groups.

The Cultural Authorisation and Maja Agreement was endorsed by Senior Elders from all nine Traditional Groups.

Buyi muna - my heart is full. Nywaigi Traditional Owner Buddy Cassady looks on as Jirrbal dancers, with their distinctive cultural body markings, dance around the unity fire. Photo by Phisch Creative.