Despite NAIDOC Week being postponed to November this year, the University of Queensland (UQ) still held NAIDOC-themed celebrations at two of its campuses in August, and Bamaga Productions organised dance performances for both festivals.

Kutaw Zoeru performed at UQ’s St Lucia campus on August 11 and the Gatton campus on August 12.

Kutaw Zoeru’s dancers are from Boigu Island, in the Torres Strait but now live in south-east Queensland. Five generations of Boigu Island families perform across the various dance groups.

Bamaga Productions Managing Director Nancy Bamaga says official Naidoc Week events have been rescheduled to November 8-15, and this year’s theme is “Always Was, Always Will Be”. Nancy said anyone interested in booking Aboriginal or Torres Strait artists for Naidoc Week should not delay.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance groups, speakers, solo acoustic musicians and workshops book out well in advance of Naidoc Week,‘’she said. “It’s a good idea to get in now.

“You can also talk to Bamaga Productions about video presentations of traditional dance performances and Welcome to Country that can be played at events or for online (virtual) events. “

Bamaga Productions is the booking agent for Kutaw Zoeru and has access to dozens more emerging and established visual artists, performers and guest speakers throughout Queensland. Contact Nancy Bamaga to talk about how to bring authentic Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture to your events, launches or conferences.

Pic: Kutaw Zoeru performs at the UQ Naidoc Week celebrations at the Gatton campus.