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Torres Strait dance team keeps cultural fire burning from Saibai Island to Adelaide

Female dancers in Muyngu Koekaper Dance Team from Saibai Island
Female dancers in Muyngu Koekaper Dance Team from Saibai Island

In its 35th year, the Muyngu Koekaper Dance Team from Saibai Island in the nation’s remote far north is igniting culture and inspiring audiences thousands of kilometres away with traditional song and dance.  

Rich in culture, Saibai Island is one of Queensland’s northernmost communities, located only four kilometres from Papua New Guinea’s Western Province.

As part of National NAIDOC Week 2024, Saibai’s Muyngu Koekaper Dance Team dance team travelled more than 2000km from the turquoise waters of Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait), Queensland to Kaurna Yerta (Country), South Australia with support from the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA).

After four flights all the way from Saibai, they lit up centre stage at the National NAIDOC Awards (6 July), before delighting crowds at Rundle Mall (9 July) and the Art Gallery of South Australia (10 July) in Tarntanya (Adelaide).

Barefoot in 14 degrees, the team’s sizzling performances in the heart of Adelaide’s CBD stopped hundreds of city workers, school holidaymakers and tourists.

Tens of thousands more tuned into TSRA’s Facebook livestream – well outnumbering the island’s population of about 340 people

With power and energy, it is easy to see why the Muyngu Koekaper Dance Team is living inspiration behind Deborah (Deb) Belyea’s winning National NAIDOC poster artwork ‘Urapun Muy’ – meaning ‘One Fire’ in Kalaw Kawaw Ya.

Team coordinator and dancer Gidina (Elsie) Waia said the team was proud to share its unique style and culture as part of their 35th Anniversary. 

“The Muyngu Koekaper Dance Team from Saibai Island in the Torres Strait was founded by the people of Saibai in 1989,” Ms Waia said.

“The dance team’s name Muyngu Koekaper translates to ‘Fire Sparks’ in the Kalaw Kawaw Ya language of the Top Western Torres Strait.

“Our motto is “Keep the Home Fire Burning” and this phrase is a reminder that motivates the dance team to inspire future generations and keep the traditions and culture of Saibai alive, to never let its spark die,” she said.

Cultural practitioner and principal dancer Marcus Warusam said every song and dance passed down the generations tells a story.

“Performances explore our history and island way of life from seasonal changes and the environment to historic headhunters and Saibai warriors,” Mr Warusam said.

“It is up to us to keep the stories alive and teach the songs and dances of our ancestors to younger generations.

“Cultural learning is a two-way exchange, older generations share wisdom and knowledge and in return, our young people give their time, commitment and dedication,” he said.

“It was an honour to meet with Traditional Owners of Adelaide and exchange stories about our uniqueness as the First People of this nation.

“We hope our performances in Adelaide inspire the next generation,” he said.

Mr Warusam also said experiencing Adelaide winter was a highlight for the team, who are used to tropical weather in the high 20s all year round. 

Geographical barriers remain a challenge for the remote Torres Strait region, particularly for communities only accessible by sea and air, which is why TSRA stepped in to sponsor the team.  

As a government statutory body and a lead agency for Indigenous Affairs, it services 17 islands in the Torres Strait and the Northern Peninsula Area communities of Bamaga and Seisia on the mainland.

TSRA Chairperson Napau Pedro Stephen AM said TSRA continued to support Torres Strait communities to access more opportunities. 

“We are proud to showcase our unique region and diverse culture with the world,” Mr Stephen said.

“There is growing global interest and appreciation for our people and culture as we keep the flames of culture burning.  

“As Torres Strait Islanders, when a community excels on the national stage, there is a ripple effect of pride felt across our whole region and by families on the mainland. 

“The Muyngu Koekaper Dance Team have kept the home fire burning for 35 years with a strong and enduring, cultural legacy. 

“This fire not only continues to burn but grows in the hearts and minds of those lucky enough to witness the rich culture of Saibai and its people,” he said.

Learn more about TSRA at www.tsra.gov.au or on Facebook.

About NAIDOC Week 

National NAIDOC Week Poster winner Deb Belyea is a proud member of the Samuawgadhalgal, Cassowary Clan, whose bloodlines stretch to the people of the top Western Torres Strait islands of Saibai, Dauan and the Bamaga-Saibai community of Cape York.

The artwork shows ancestors hands placing an ember into a burning fire. This ember, and the fire, represents the sharing of cultural knowledge from one generation to the next.

Learn more about Deb’s inspiration, including the Muyngu Koekaper Dance Team, through the National NAIDOC video here.

From 7-14 July 2024, NAIDOC Week 2024 celebrated and recognised the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This year’s theme chosen by the National NAIDOC Committee, is Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud.

The theme honours the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations culture – with fire a symbol of connection to Country, to each other, and to the rich tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.