GPT : Celebrating First Nations culture and community through dance

Celebrating First Nations culture and community through the arts is at the core of Redfern Dance Company and its founder Karlie Mukasa Mugerwa.

'I have always been passionate about the arts and how it enriches lives, particularly of our youth,' says Karlie, a proud descendant of the Manellae people of Northern New South Wales.

In spirit of this year's NAIDOC week theme, 'Because of Her, We Can!', Karlie credits her grandmother's knowledge, wisdom and love for shaping her into the strong Gamilaroi woman she is today.

'I truly believe that because of her, I can,' she says. An accolade that is evident in her dedication to the community of Redfern.

Two years ago, Karlie created Redfern Dance Company to reflect the spirit of the community that she holds close to her heart.

The dance company celebrates the importance of community and culture for all Australians and is a place where students from diverse backgrounds can 'dream, believe and achieve in the wonderful world of the performing arts'.

'Indigenous Australians have the oldest living culture in the world and this is something to be celebrated. NAIDOC week gives all Australians the opportunity to celebrate and honour the very important history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,' says Karlie.

GPT is proud to host the performance by the group at Sydney's MLC Centre on Monday 9th July in celebration of NAIDOC Week and the contribution that First Nations Women have made and continue to make.

'This year's theme is an extremely important theme as it celebrates the invaluable contributions that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have made and continue to make to our communities, our families, our rich history and to our nation. It is important that we celebrate these women,' says Karlie.

The performance group is comprised of talented First Nations students aged five to sixteen years old which 'encourages and inspires the next generation of deadly young leaders to follow their dreams while staying connected to culture and community through dance', says Karlie.

The group has performed at a variety of events including YABUN festival, The Sydney Children's Festival, The International Festival of Language and Culture, The NRL Indigenous Round and the NSW Rugby League Aboriginal Knockout.

As Karlie highlights, 'NAIDOC week is significant time for Indigenous Australians to commemorate history, celebrate culture, unify and share this with the rest of the nation.'

NAIDOC week invites all Australians to celebrate and honour the important history, culture and achievements of First Nations peoples.

To learn more about Karlie and Redfern Dance Company, visit their Facebook page.