Bourke celebrates NAIDOC Week

Tyrone Gordon of Thikkabilla Vibrations and the Dance Group performing at the Bourke NAIDOC Closing Ceremony last Friday PHOTO TWH

One of the highlights of the Bourke NAIDOC celebrations was a performance at the Closing Ceremony last Friday by a group of young local dancers.

The children were taught traditional dance by Tyrone Gordon from Thikkabilla Vibrations and for many, it was the first time they had engaged in telling their stories through dance.

Tyrone spent much of the NAIDOC week in Bourke working with the youngsters and said they were involved in learning more than just dance.

“For most of the kids, this was the first time they had been exposed to their culture, on country,” Tyrone said.

“The stories are about their country out here and through the dance they connect to the land, they learn about their history and they get a sense of empowerment in their culture.

“It’s about using dance to give them a sense of identity.”

Tyrone is one of Australia’s leading traditional Aboriginal dancers and has travelled the world performing with various indigenous dance troupes. He is now based in Dubbo and is committed to reviving and preserving the stories of the region through dance.

“My Dad was from Brewarrina and my grandmothers were from Bourke so the back country is very important to me,” he said.

“I’ve danced my whole life and I want to share what I have learned with the younger kids.

Read more in the printed edition of the Western Herald.