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Gudurrku (brolga bird), symbol
of the sun, and giver of life.
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This is an animation for
a person who symbolized a Yolngu (meaning "people"
referring to aboriginals of the northern-east Territory
of Australia) champion. A person of hope, a
person with dreams of the brigther future for his
people, and sacrificed everything to help them overcome
the challenges of cultural integration.
Becoming a professional
footie player at a young age, he proved that Yolngu
can accomplish anything by opening the heart, and
following one's light of passion. After becoming one
of the most valuable players of footie game in Australia,
he returned to his home in the Northern-East Territory
of Australia in order to ensure that Yolngu learn
how to keep their culture alive while learning non-Yolngu
culture and way of life. After all, his culture has
evolved for over 400 generations with knowledge and
earth wisdom. They are now faced with the challenge
of keeping their own culture, while learning to adapt
to a new world culture that is so different in various
respects.
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Having visited his homeland
for his funeral ceremony, I returned with a strong
sense of hope, knowing that his dreams are becoming
true; as Yolngu culture is strong and well intact.
I witnessed even the youngest members of Yolngu partaking
in the dancing called "Bunggul".
Amazing is Yolngu culture...
that one can see how Yolngu children are born with
the rhythms, dances, and songs that are tied to the
strong generational threads that have strengthened
over time.
Learning their creative
system of knowledge is to discover a beautiful ocean
deep of life, and wisdom. Learning the knowledge systems
of native cultures in general (creative, nomadic,
earth/nature loving people) is to discover paradigms
that open the mind, diminishing our cultural blind-spot
of present life, and the fear of each other's cultures.
If
we are going to globalize and end our struggles with
ourselves, we must begin by learning each other's
songs, rhythms, dances, and art. Only then can we
meet each other with open heart, open mind, total
respect, and peace. This way, we can enjoy each other's
countries, foods, songs, dances, and creativity. If
there's ever going be an Army to cause harmony and
peace, it should be an Army of music, dances, art,
and love. Is there any other way?
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