Following NAIDOC week, Mudgee's Indigiearth held a 'Corroboree under the stars' event at the Lions Drive cafe site on Saturday, November 21.
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The event was completely booked out.
The evening began with a Welcome to Country ceremony which was given by the oldest living Wiradjuri Elder, Aunty Joyce Williams. Aunty Joyce is 94 years old. The ceremony was organised by Wiradjuri traditional owner Fleur Magick Dennis.
They were joined by other senior Wiradjuri Elders in attendance including Aunty Violet Carr, Aunty Josie Waters and Uncle Peter Peckham. Many other Elders who could not physically attend gave their permission and blessing for the event via a letter of support.
"Milan Dhiiyaan" were invited to perform for the corroboree night at Indigiearth cafe by the owner of the cafe and the event organiser, Ngemba/Weilwan woman Sharon Winsor.
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"Myself and my team at Indigiearth are very humbled and honoured to have such beautiful and warm blessings from Wiradjuri elders for the corroboree under the stars. We are also very very lucky and fortunate to have Aunty Joyce Williams attending our event on Saturday night," Sharon said.
After the Welcome to Country, a traditional smoking ceremony was performed by Wiradjuri woman Fleur Magick Dennis and Wiradjuri Elder Uncle Peter Peckham.
Then the dancing commenced.
Milan Dhiiyaan performed dances from different Aboriginal nations with singing in different Aboriginal languages. Some of the dances were Wiradjuri, some Gamilaraay, some Wayilwan. Milan Dhiiyaan also invited the audience up to join in and learn one of the dances.
In addition to the dancing, Milan Dhiiyaan also shared two traditional dreamtime stories by acting out the stories for the audience. They shared a Wiradjuri story and a Wayilwan story. Another dance group, "Indigiearth dancers" also performed some dances for the audience.
"It was powerful to see Aboriginal businesses working together in partnership to provide an outstanding cultural tourism event for our local region," a Milan Dhiiyaan spokesperson said.
The entertainment continued on into the afternoon with the attendees enjoying food and drinks from Indigiearth's menu. Lots of guests took the opportunity to take home jars of bush foods and native skin care goods from the range at Indigiearth.
Thanks to the popularity of the event, another similar event is being organised for Saturday, 9 January at Indigiearth. For more information, keep an eye on Indigiearth's socials.
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