Torres Straight islanders arrive to coincide NAIDOC week

Caption: (L) Mariana Babia, Sedrick Waia, Australian High Commissioner Deborah Stokes, Jehemess Waia, and Kinau Akiba posing after their performance.




By MATTHEW VARI

Wednesday, July 9, 2014 (Midweek Chronicle, PNG)




A WEEK after over a week since the opening of the 5th Melanesian Festival of Arts and Culture, the Torres Strait Islands of Australia will now be represented with arrival of a dance group Saibai Island.

Despite missing the first half of the festivities, the arrival of the islanders coincides with Australia’s NAIDOC (National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee) Week.

NAIDOC Week is an Australian observance lasting from the first Sunday in July until the following Sunday.

It celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The week is celebrated not just in the Indigenous communities but also in increasing numbers of government agencies, schools, local councils and workplaces.

Welcoming the four man troupe, Australian High Commissioner Deborah Stokes said that NAIDOC week was a long held tradition since 1957.

“As you all know Australia is rich and diverse in indigenous culture, with the theme of this year’s celebration Serving Country: Centenary and Beyond,” Ms Stokes said.

“We honour all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women who have fought in defence of Australia.”

“We, however, recognise that we have a long way to go to address the disadvantage faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait.”

She said that they were proud to have the group in the country not only to mark NAIDOC week, but to also be part of the Melanesian Festival of Arts and Culture.

Coordinator of the group Mariana Babia said that they were looking forward to participating in the festival, saying that though it was their first time to participate in the festival, they had experience in performing internationally in the region and in China.

“We are excited and looking forward to the festivities, and are looking forward to the type of perception people will have of us in the event,” Babia said.

Upon hearing of the arrival of the Torres Strait Islanders, Minister for Tourism and Culture Boka Kondra said that he welcomed their arrival to the country, adding that they are a part of the festivities and are expected to perform as of yesterday.