The annual Act-Belong-Commit Undalup Birak Festival is a celebration of local Aboriginal culture in the heart of Wadandi Boodja, will be held at Gloucester Park in Margaret River on January 13.
The free-family event will have cultural entertainment, dancing and weaving workshops, activities and stalls, along with earth dance workshops with the four directions and connection to mother earth.
Anyone who would like to participate in cultural dance on the day are asked to bring along a black t-shirt and shorts, and prepare to be painted up.
As the event is sponsored by Healthway everyone is encouraged to bring along a water bottle to fill up at the water station, sunscreen and a hat, and participate in cultural workshops and activities on the day.
Undalup chairperson Iszaac Webb said special guests Apakatjah (pronounced uppa–cut-ja) will be joining the event to celebrate Noongar culture in the season of Birak.
Apakatjah is a duo consisting of Dion Forrester and Jonathan Lindsay-Tjapaltjarri Hermawan who blend together their blended cultures and musical influences such as Aboriginal desert reggae Tjupi Band, old school metal like Iron Maiden and guitar master Tommy Emmanuel.
Through its two band members Apakatjah combines the cultures of Aboriginal Australia (Pintupi-Luritja, Pitjantjatjara, Pertame Central Arrernte, Alywarre, Kaytitj and Islander), as well as heritage from European, Indonesian, Irish, Welsh and Dutch migrants.
The word ‘Apakatjah’ is a Luritja kriol word for a person of mixed race heritage, which the duo have reclaimed to demonstrate the pride they have in their identity and to draw strength from their culture.
Jonathan and Dion strive to be role models in their community - teaching music and language to kids, advocating healthy lifestyles as well as in their professional capacity as youth workers.
They challenge young people to dream big and hope to empower them to achieve their goals.
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