Bellingen Global Carnival acknowledges the Gumbaynggirr people on whos land this festival is celebrated.

Welcome to the 2008 Global Carnival.

While last year paid tribute to the passing of people and an era, this year marks new and fresh beginnings. This rings true for us on many levels as a festival but also as a country. Earlier this year, the federal governments long awaited apology to the aboriginal people of this land for the painful injustice and separation inflicted on them, brought elation and relief to all of us who had long waited for that day to come. The power of words spoken and actions done unleashed an emotion which swept the country and was palpable. The further it spread, the further it was able to reach, a phenomena which continues to this day and which ushered in a new era. It triggered an unprecedented shift in our thoughts and feelings as a nation and opens the window of opportunity to truly starting anew if we have the will.

So it is no surprise in a way that a special event which reflects this deeply appeared on the landscape and the Global Carnival has the privilege and honor of welcoming it to the heart of this year’s festival. A group of senior aboriginal people from the Anangu, Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara lands in the far North West of South Australia will lead a special performance of the Wanampi Inma – The Rainbow Serpent Dance.  This is a rare dance for country and spirit and a true reconciliation ‘Inma’ jointly shared by aboriginal and non-aboriginal people.  It will be a powerful dance and we have no doubt it will reverberate with all of us.  The local Gumbaynggirr Elders have been working hard with Doctor, Andrew Heslop, to bring the people and the dance to this years festival and it is both a moving and fitting event at this time in our history.  It is all the more touching and worthy of our respect as the thrust of it’s message for reconciliation and peace comes from the very people who have suffered the most from our arrival on these shores.  Local Elder, Uncle Larry Kelly says the dance was lost for many years and now they want to bring it back so please take the time to visit the ‘Yarn Up’ area and make our special guests  welcome.

From our hearts, the Global Carnival organizers wish everyone a safe and happy weekend and we thank you all for coming.  We especially thank our sponsors, all the festival volunteers, artist billets, crew and staff who make this event a reality – there are literally hundreds of you!

Thanks once again

Bryony