NAIDOC story time in Leongatha

LEONGATHA Library celebrated NAIDOC Week with a special double length story time session featuring indigenous literature, music and singing and even the opportunity to make musical instruments.
The work of indigenous authors was read, accompanied by that of indigenous illustrators.

Children enjoyed singing along to some familiar tunes, with a twist in the lyrics.

For instance, the Hokey Pokey was translated by indigenous singer-songwriter Loren Ryan of the Gamilaraay people native to northwest New South Wales, with children singing in both English and Gamilaraay.

Library programs officer Kate Lochlin said she was out of breath after the energetic version of the song, complete with plenty of movement.

Other indigenous singer-songwriters were also featured, including Emma Donovan, Kiki D and Emily Wurramara.

“We sang songs in maybe six different aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages, just lots of translations from favourites,” Kate said.

One song, ‘Ways to Say Hello’, featured greetings in many languages.

As well as singing, young participants seized the opportunity to play instruments in keeping with the day’s indigenous theme.

Kulap shakers from the Torres Strait Islands, traditionally made from seedpods, were popular, as were Warup and Lumut drums, with the latter made from bamboo and played in the Torres Strait Islands and in Papua New Guinea.

Amelia Carter of Meeniyan managed to create plenty of sound as she tried her hand at a Lumut drum.

As well as playing traditional instruments, improvised versions were created using recycled materials such as bottle caps that substituted for seedpods and created a similar but quieter sound than Kulap shakers.

Improvised Warup drums were also made.

“Our instrument making activities came from an early childhood consultancy based on Thursday Island in the Torres Strait, ‘Cultural Inclusions’, and their collaborative partnership ‘Connecting the Dots Through Culture’, who gave me permission to make these as a non-indigenous educator,” Kate said.

Story time attendees also had the chance to watch a video of traditional dancing.

“We watched Torres Strait Islander dancers do a performance for Mabo Day,” Kate said, adding that they were accompanied by some of the instruments used during the library session.

An acknowledgement of country started proceedings, something that now occurs at the commencement of all story time sessions.