Kids Caring for Country Dance Group

Educator Charrie Elphick-Pearce and her five children have been part of the group since it began.

“It’s good to see the kids experiencing their culture,” she said. “Years ago we weren’t able to celebrate our culture, so we want our kids to be able to.  It makes you feel proud that you are able to represent your community.”

Charrie Elphick-Pearce

Miss Pearce said the kids involved in the dance group found it educational, as well as entertaining.  “The kids learn a lot that they can pass onto other people,”.

The program’s Aboriginal cultural liaison officer Auntie Deidre Currie, teaches the children Bundjalung language and traditional dance.

“For me, it’s important because it’s our roots and if we can get them strong, it helps us survive and keeps us grounded,” she said.

“The kids love their culture, and it makes me happy to see them enjoying their culture.”

The group performed 4 dances starting and finishing with Gari Gynda Narmi, a traditional welcoming and farewell dance.  It is originally a Waka Waka song, but with the dispersal and cross-pollination of aboriginal cultures means it has become a bit of a welcome song of all aboriginal nations in south-east Queensland.  They also performed two dances taught by Auntie Deidre Currie telling stories of local Bundjalung culture.  The children were absolutely mesmerised by this performance with even our little baby beanz focusing and engaging with the group.  We captured the performances so that you can watch and share with your children at home.