By DAN RYAN
From the heart of Wiradjuri and Ngunnawal Country to the shores of Vanuatu, Cowra’s Kristy Bell and her mother Janet recently joined an international cultural exchange, sharing Indigenous Australian traditions through dance and storytelling.
The Bells travelled as part of the renowned Indigenous dance group Yukkumbruk Dreaming, joining around 18 other performers on a week-long journey across Vanuatu. Their mission was to share the rich cultural heritage of the Ngunnawal and Wiradjuri peoples with local communities, students, and leaders.
The group was invited by the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs and officials in Vanuatu and the Australian High Commission as part of NAIDOC Week celebrations, with their presence was warmly welcomed.
Speaking with the Cowra Guardian, Janet Bell described the experience with her daughter and the dance group as deeply meaningful.
“The floodgates have opened now,” she said. “Vanuatu was our first time performing internationally with Yukkumbruk, and it was an honour and a privilege. We danced at the Rev. Kalangis Temple and visited small village schools where children came up on stage to learn with us. It was an eye-opener with so many opportunities to engage and exchange.”
Yukkumbruk Dreaming was founded by Serena Williams in honour of her father Harold Williams (also known as Harold Crow), after whom the group is named.
The ongoing connection to Erambie 32 Acres and Wiradjuri people is reflected in the groups continued collaboration, bringing stories and song to local events as well
For Kristy, who has been dancing since she was four years old, the journey marked another chapter in her long commitment to cultural education and expression. After returning from Vanuatu, the group continued its work with a performance at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) in Canberra.
“Kristy is so invested in her culture,” said Janet. “It’s such an honour to dance alongside my daughter. I’d never had that experience until we joined Yukkumbruk. Watching the younger members of our group grow and connect with their culture through dance is just beautiful.”
In a post on Yukkumbruk Dreaming's Facebook page, Aunty Serena Williams echoed the importance of the exchange, “We feel very privileged and honoured to be here in Vanuatu. It has been very empowering to be on this journey of cultural exchange. We look forward to keeping these cultural connections alive and strong between Australia and Vanuatu.”
The visit was also reported by the Vanuatu Daily Post, highlighting the impact of the performances in workshops, local schools, and collaborations with the Australian High Commission.
Kristy and Janet’s journey from Cowra to the global stage is a powerful reminder of how cultural heritage, when shared, can build bridges across oceans.