In the western world, we’re often so far removed from our ancestors’ traditions that we forget about them altogether. That’s what makes this video so incredible! This aboriginal grandfather traveled over 2,000 miles to perform a special dance with his granddaughter on her graduation day.
Sasha and Alice, are aboriginal teenagers who recently graduated from the 10th grade. For their graduation, their grandfather traveled 2,000 miles to perform a special dance
Gali Yalkarriwuy Gurruwiwi, is part of the Galpu Clan in remote, Galiwin’ku, on Elcho Island in north-east Arnhem Land. His dream was to perform the ceremonial dance at his granddaughters’ graduation so he traveled far and wide to make it happen.
He speaks limited English, but during his trip, he touched his chest saying “proud.” For the rest of his time at Worawa Aboriginal College in Healesville, north-east of Melbourne, his wife Jane Garrutju translated for him.
“It was his dream, to dance with his granddaughters here. I am proud of my grandchildren, Sasha and Alicia, I am proud that this college was taken care of and that they got a good education,” Jane Garrutju translated for him.
Gali is a Yolngu Mala leader, whose nickname is ‘Morning Star Dancer.’ The traditional dance he came to do is called Lunggurrma
Although he didn’t feel well the morning of the ceremony, he insisted they do the dance anyways. Sasha and Alice were thrilled to have him come, his dancing has always been a big part of their lives.
“When visitors come to Elcho Island my grandfather always dances, and all the grandchildren dance with him.” Said Sasha.
The dance is intense, with ‘Morning Star’ painted white and thrusting a spear
As Glai puts on a powerful spectacle with his speer, the girls dance in the background shaking their bodies to the rhythm of the drums. Sasha and Alice understand the importance of learning their cultures traditions.
“I love hunting, looking for oysters and fishing and looking for mangrove worms and dancing traditional, we call it bunggul, that’s what I miss, and telling stories around the campfire.” Said Sasha.
It was hard on the family to go without Sasha and Alice, but their grandmother, Jane, wanted them to have every opportunity possible
It’s very hard for aboriginal kids to balance their customs and the western worlds, but Jane has faith her granddaughters will find the balance
“Gali is very strong in teaching his grandchildren to cling on to their values, to be able to balance Western culture and our culture. They need to know who they are, where they come from.” Jane said.
The special moment is was caught on camera by ABC News and went viral on YouTube with 80,000 views
I doubt Gali AKA ‘Morning Star,’ has any idea what YouTube or going viral is but people on social media loved him! Hundreds of people liked the moving dance ceremony,
How amazing, to see there are still people who hold traditions so close is very inspiring. To see the traditional bunggul dance, watch the video below!
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