Corroboree on the Water
For thousands of years the Corroboree has been an important cultural ceremony for Aboriginal people. Although traditionally held on land, this ceremony was on both the land and the water as part of Three Bark Canoes and the FLOAT project. The idea was initiated and guided by local Koorie Elders Uncle Frank Harrison and Lennie Hayes. It was the first Corroboree on the shores of Bung Yarnda (Lake Tyers) in recent history.
Lake Tyers Beach Small Town Transformation was a cross-cultural project which brought together the Wurinbeena Ltd artists, FLOAT inc artists and an expert build team to design and build a floating art studio and research vessel called FLOAT. Project Manager Andrea Lane and Artistic Director Catherine Larkins worked with the team to create the vessel which now sits permanently on the waters of Bung Yarnda.
The Corroboree involved a smoking ceremony, music and dances by both men and women. Corroboree paid respect to the Aboriginal ancestors and Elders who guided an ‘awakening’ of the ancestral spirits of Bung Yarnda. We thank them for helping us to feel the pain in our hearts of the terrible wrongs of the past and for showing us the way forward as we gathered together to heal Country. The smoke of the fires and dancing on the land and water cleansed us and the vessel, ready for its journey on the lake. We are grateful to everyone who supported, contributed and participated in this very special ceremony. We hope it offered opportunity for reconciliation and healing for all people who share and treasure Bung Yarnda (Lake Tyers) and its surrounds today.