Indigenous culture took centre stage on the first full day of Festival 2018. The two week program is showcasing the talent and stories of Queensland’s artistic community.

Michael McGuane reports.

TRANSCRIPT

The South Bank riverfront was a perfect setting for the Nunukul Yuggera Aboriginal Dancers the performance attracting people of all ages.

The dancers represent the main language groups of South East Queensland.

Because the festival is run in tandem with the Commonwealth Games, it’s a unique chance for the Aboriginal community to showcase their culture to the world.

And leaders are embracing that opportunity.

Shannon Ruska, Nunukul Yaggera Aboriginal Dancers: “We’re out there everyday educating Australia and people from all around the world about the history of our land and our people.”

As the sun went down, the education got hands-on.

Audience members learning a traditional welcome dance, from the experts.

Over the past decade, this dance troup has travelled the world, performing alongside top entertainers.

Shannon says, events like this spur interest in our nation’s past.

Shannon Ruska, Nunukul Yaggera Aboriginal Dancers: “Our role and responsibility I believe is to be able to share it onto the next generation. Whether that be aboriginal or non-aboriginal.”

Festival 2018 will be running up and down the coast until April 14th. With the Brisbane hub located at Southbank.

Michael McGuane, QUT News.