bunaan yandabal is an Aboriginal girls’ dance group, a cultural reclamation initiative run through Ulladulla High School with guidance from Ulladulla High School Ochre Team and dance teacher.

What does ‘bunaan yandabal’ mean?

‘bunaan yandabal’ in Dhurga language translates to girls dancing.

What is Dhurga?

Dhurga is the local Aboriginal language, and one of four used on the south coast of New South Wales by Yuin (Yuwinj) Peoples from Nowra to Narooma and inland to Braidwood. Yuin people have been here for a long, long time – with some records showing at least 25,000 years and others suggesting over 90,000 years – and they are still here today.

How does dance keep culture strong?

Aboriginal cultural practices are often embodied, meaning that how we move and behave and interact is how we can connect to our Country, community and culture.

bunaan yandabal dancers come together and practice regularly. The dancers stand tall and proud in their culture, and continue to learn, respect and share their culture, language, lore and Country. They promise to teach younger generations, so that their Aboriginal cultures – the world’s oldest continuing cultures – are enlivened for thousands of years to come.

This next generation of First Nations students are incredibly impressive, and their commitment and passion and cultural pride is clear in their dance practice.

How can I support this powerful cultural initiative?
Please consider donating your funds or skills. For example:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals are warmly invited to come in and yarn with the bunaan yandabal group. Please get in touch!

• Dance costumes often include Indigenous fabrics sewn into items like shirts, skirts, dresses, belts, scarves. Are you handy with a sewing machine?

• Cultural experiences. The girls are also very enthusiastic about embracing opportunities to participate in cultural camps together, or any opportunities to see other Aboriginal dance groups and performing artists. Can you help share, fund or suggest an amazing cultural experience?

Please contact us at admin@walkingtogether.au and we’ll put you in touch with the right person.