Aboriginal dance as pedagogy: privileging voices of Bundjalung elders

Abstract

Indigenous dance is a methodology used to convey stories of survival and reform within each Aboriginal language group in Australia. The Bundjalung Nation is the cultural group where we are situated in northern New South Wales. Jagun is a local Bundjalung language term for Country. This article explores the synergies with world literature and Bundjalung Elder voices associated with Indigenous dance practices as a methodology for decolonising classrooms and other learning spaces. We bring to the focus a local philosophy that urges educators to be the best version of themselves, what Aunty Bertha Kappen called Wana werlu, that specifically means to be yourself in the local Aboriginal language. As such, we attempt to position the redevelopment of cultural practices on Bundjalung Jagun to incorporate Elder’s voice. In doing so, other educators wanting to utilise cultural practices as pedagogy are prompted to be mindful of gaining proper local permissions and incorporating a creative spirit.