THE fourth annual “Buluunggal” festival led by Gumbaynggirr custodian Uncle Bud Marshall will take place at the V-Wall, Nambucca Heads on Saturday, 10 May from 10.30am to 3.30pm.
The festival celebrates the arrival of buluunggal, or mullet, in the Nambucca River.
“Everyone is invited to come join us again to celebrate the ongoing significance of the mullet run for Country,” said Uncle Bud.
“I want this to be another fun day for people to experience how strong this place is and to connect with Gumbaynggirr culture.
“The day is about connection and respect.
“That is the important thing and the main thing I want to share,” said Uncle Bud.
The festival will feature dance, music, and a free mullet BBQ.
This year’s event will also feature the launch of Uncle Bud’s new children’s book, “Yildaan: Our Dreaming Track”.
“With this book I want to tell people about this place and about my Elders,” Uncle Bud said.
“I want everyone who comes here to know where they are.
“I want them to follow in the footsteps of our ancestors and be part of Yildaan, our Dreaming track,” Uncle Bud explained.
The book, published by Allen & Unwin, has been illustrated by Gumbaynggirr artists, and Uncle Bud’s great nieces, Hannah Smith and Elaine Carmady.
“Featuring art and photographs from Gumbaynggirr Ngambaa Country, the book tells stories of Gumbaynggirr people, our living culture and our connection to Country,” Hannah said.
“Uncle Bud’s story of being on Country mingles with ancestor’s stories and shows how these two parts of life are inherently connected,” said Elaine.
