Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this report contains the name of a person who has died.
First Nations performers, creatives, market stall holders and food vendors delivered plenty of action and heart-warming highlights at Munro Martin Parklands on Saturday for the 18th annual Big Talk One Fire cultural festival.
Smiles and laughter filled the parklands as festivalgoers watched, workshopped, and caught up with family and friends while participating in a free, family-friendly program celebrating the richness of Far North Queensland's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
The festival opened with a traditional welcome and smoking ceremony by senior Traditional Owner Hendrick Fourmile, who was joined by civic leaders - including Queensland's member for Mulgrave, Terry James.
A stirring didgeridoo performance from distinguished leader and cultural educator from the KuKu Yalanji nation, Shaun Creek, followed, along with a stunning opening dance by the Yidi Dancers of the Gimuy Walubara Yidinji people, honouring the late Gudju Gudju Fourmile.
The cultural dance showcase then unfolded with an impressive line-up of intergenerational performers from across Gimuy (Cairns), Cape York Peninsula and Torres Strait, including the Boigu Island Dance Group, Mayi Wumba Dance Troupe, Kapay Kuyan Dance Group, Buuri Guuman Irribamuu and Malu Buay Gizlam - Torres Strait Dancers, whose ancient songs and vibrant movements kept the energy high throughout the afternoon and into the evening.
Among the highlights was the powerful performance by Alkumo Malpa Paman, finalists at the 2023 Laura Quinkan Indigenous Dance Festival, who travelled from Coen in Cape York to share their culture and talent on Gimuy lands.
Away from the main stage, a lively program of workshops gave families hands-on opportunities to connect with culture.
From weaving with weavers Sandy Scott and Andrea Brim, to meditation with Karen Reys, didgeridoo lessons with Shaun Creek, and jewellery-making with Jineecka Don and Dorothy Edwards, the spirit of participation was strong.
Children also enjoyed dance workshops with Jiritju Fourmile, face painting and creative play activities.
Stallholders showcased vibrant collections of body adornments, weaving, textiles, jewellery, art, and contemporary giftware.
At the same time, food outlets — from piping hot doughnuts to the traditional home-cooked curries and soul food dishes from Cairns' popular Indigenous caterer, Blaq Pearl — kept visitors well-fed.
Free and family-friendly, Big Talk One Fire once again fulfilled UMI Arts' mission to preserve, strengthen and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and culture, bringing the community together for an uplifting day of sharing, song, dance and connection.
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