Madjitil Moorna, Singers of Aboriginal songs Singing ~ learning ~ healing - Bringing cultures together Madjitil Moorna, Singers of Aboriginal songs welcomes anyone regardless of skill, age, gender or cultural background. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ As always much is happening with Madjitil Moorna and the first part of the year Bunuru (Feb - March ) and Djeran (April -May ) has flown by! It's now time for the Makaru - Djilba break which occurs 2nd July - 12th August .There are some lovely workshops continuing. Public gigs are coming up with highlights during NAIDOC week where we'd love to meet old friends and . These events/festivals are for everyone! The new start for MM is on Monday 13th August. 6.30pm for a cuppa, 7pm to sing. Come along and join us at Anderson Rd Community Centre, Forrestfield .

WOOLAH!!!!! Wonderful news from the NAIDOC Awards Perth. Kobi Arthur Morrison has won the Youth Award! Gifted lead Guitarist with Madjitil Moorna, Kobi is now leading Koondarm Choir (the Dreaming) an ‘offspring choir’ of Madjitil Moorna, for young people. Kobi also co-leads Koorlong (youth) and Kannajil (in truth) -school and community workshops based on our Songbook produced last year. We have watched Kobi grow up from a 10 year old lad brought to choir practices by his mother Della Rae, (Thanks Della!) to a 14 year old picking up the guitar and writing songs, then in 2012 playing guitar with Madjitil Moorna. He is now a much-admired accompanist for the choir and a strong leader of Youth. We all feel very proud!! Well done Kobi. 

Walyalup Kannajil Singing Workshops in Language Part 2 Singing Healing Learning : Bringing Cultures Together

A series of community singing workshops commenced at Fremantle PCYC where you can learn a range of Aboriginal songs in Noongar and English. All backgrounds and abilities are welcome! Workshops are facilitated by talented musicians Kobi Morrison and Leonie Wilkes, with special guest Aunty Josie Wowolla Boyle. The first half of the series has gone well . Don't miss out on the second part of the series. There's still time to come along for one or all of the sessions.

When: 12.30 - 2.30pm Thursdays, weekly 2 August to 20 Sept 2018. Where: Fremantle PCYC, 2/34 Paget Street, Hilton, WA Cost: $5 unwaged/concession, $10 waged, (afternoon tea included) RSVP /more info Susie Waller Mob: 0410 373 854 Proudly supported by Nulsen Disability Services and City of Fremantle

2018 National NAIDOC: Because of her, we can !!!

NAIDOC Week 2018 will celebrate the invaluable contributions that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have made – and continue to make - to our communities, our families, our rich history and to our nation.

SAT 05 JULY Gnarogin Park The Language of Music. A free workshop with songs in Noongar and English

If you live in Narrogin or nearby you must get along to this workshop! Can’t make it but have friends in the Narrogin area, then let them know about this event  The Language of Music Workshop A free Workshop with songs in Noongar and English Thursday 05 July from Noon to 2pm at Gnarogin Park meeting place. In the case of inclement weather please go to the Aboriginal Community Hub.

More information: Narrogin Library Tel:98811751

SAT 07 JULY NAIDOC Art Gallery of WA Midday Launch - Junkaldelic featuring MM Patron Richard Walley

AGWA is running a variety of FREE events including guided tours dedicated to Indigenous women's artwork on display at AGWA, a hands on community canvas project and an artist talk by First Nation artist Julie Dowling. The programs launch with a free concert by Junkadelic at the Gallery from midday, Saturday 7 July. Want to collaborate with Indigenous artist Jade Dolman to create the brand new art work celebrating the invaluable contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women? If the answer’s YES…Find out more here

Sat 07 - Sat 14 July Perth Cultural Centre and beyond. You can find the program here

Print out the program including the Djookian | Art Exhibition with Sharyn Egan here

MONDAY 09 JULY NAIDOC Art Gallery Exhibition opening 4pm – 6pm (MM singing from 4pm)

Joondalup Boorungur by Sharyn Egan

As part of the 2018 NAIDOC week celebrations, Sharyn Egan Madjitil Moorna singer and previous Committee member has been commissioned to present Joondalup Boorungur, an exhibition conceived in response to the City of Joondalup’s art collection. Two of the City’s works, by Lindsay Harris and Sally Morgan, with others by Tjyllyungoo

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2 Lance Chadd, Richard Walley and Sharyn herself, are presented to share Noongar perspectives on the totemic relationships in the Joondalup region. MM is singing at the opening from 4pm led by Aunty Josie Wowalla Boyle.

When: 03 – 27 July 2018 Viewing: Tuesdays to Thursdays 10am-2pm and Fridays 10.30am-2.30pm Event Venue: Joondalup Art Gallery 4/48 Central Walk, Joondalup. Free Entry

WED 11 JULY NAIDOC at CURTIN CAS Noongar Radio 100.9 Moorditj Yorgas Live Broadcast Noon-3pm

Tune in to 100.9 FM or go along to listen live! Join Noongar Radio as they interview inspiring Indigenous women who will share their reflections and passions. Listen to Madjitil Moorna sing between 1 -2 pm.

THURSDAY 12 JULY NAIDOC Family Day Ashfield Oval, Bassendean NAIDOC Family Day

Presented by the Town of Bassendean in partnership with Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service Inc as part of National NAIDOC Week. This free Family Day event celebrates Aboriginal culture and art with live performances, hands-on fun for all ages, and giveaways, with a special focus on Noongar culture. You can commence the Day with the ‘Dandjoo Koorliny’ Reconciliation Walk and Flag Raising Ceremony if you meet outside the Council Administration Centre at 10.00am. Then join participants as they walk in unity to Ashfield Reserve for Flag Raising and Welcome to Country Ceremonies. (Madjitil Moorna sing about 11ish but there is much to celebrate and enjoy throughout the day!)

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Kannajil - Learning Noongar Songs on Country

Madjitil Moorna, in partnership with Trillion Trees https://trilliontrees.org.au (formerly Men of the Trees), ran four weekly Noongar Language workshops featuring Aboriginal musicians and guest speakers on Fridays between May and June. It was a special time when Local Elder Allan Kickett shared his story.

Thank you Allan.

Leonie Wilkes co-facilitated the Kannajil singing workshop series with fellow musician Kobi Morrison. Leonie has many years of performance experience with her large family Noongar dance group, Mungart Yonga Indigenous Arts Enterprise, including facilitating many workshops in schools. Leonie joined Madjitil Moorna Choir in 2017 and recently commenced as a facilitator with the Koorlong Noongar song program, passing on culture to schools and workplaces throughout WA. Leonie is renown for being a fun facilitator with great moves.

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Leonie Wilkes (L) with MM choir members above and also seen (R) at the smoking ceremony with Local Elder Ted Wilkes

3 who spoke at the event and Fukushima farmer Mr Hasegawa Kenichi.

Before the start of Term 1 on 06 Feb 2018 Madjitil Moorna had already been engaged with 2 significant events. February 05 saw the restart of MM practices with the 21 January Madjitil Moorna sang at the Wesley first one led by award winning song writer George Uniting Church to welcome to Perth and Noongar Walley. New singers were and are always welcomed! country 16 young people and Elders from the Mowanjum Community. The group travelled three days by bus to Perth for an 8 day break during the school holidays. Students’ attendance at school was the key to being included with the final list of students approved by community leaders. Morning tea and 12 February Apology 10 facilitated by Della Rae lunch were provided for all and there was a great time Morrison. Together the choir reflected on Kevin of mingling. Rudd's Apology of 2008 by watching together the Reconciliation Australia's DVD 'The National Apology' 24 January which included the 2 days in Canberra prior to 13 Feb 2008 and the first ever Welcome to Country from an Aboriginal Elder. Invited guests included Jim Morrison, Josie Wowalla Boyle, Doreen Green & other friends.

Madjitil Moorna were privileged to be involved in welcoming the Wanjoo Peace Boat at the B Shed markets Fremantle. The Peace Boat, a Japanese cruise ship, was on its 96th voyage travelling the world to promote global friendship and nuclear disarmament.

After eating supper together we heard about the writing of Kerry Fletcher's Sorry Song from Robyn Slarke. Josie told of her life on the mission through sand stories. Now 10 years on from the Apology it's a significant time to reflect on how far we've come. The truth has been told but as Jim Morrison reminded us there is much unfinished business. There can be no complete healing without truth and justice.

"I went to an amazing celebration of the anniversary of the ''Apology to the Stolen Generation'' last night.....a great 'get together' with old and new friends.There were guest speakers, songs /singing and videos of the event (from 10 years ago). I thoroughly enjoyed the whole evening and being surrounded by like minded people, good friends (some from many years ago)...yes Peter and Joanna Randell, Josie Boyle, Mr Miyake Nobuo , the translator and Scott Ludlum Lee M Peters and Jamie Morrison. And thank you Uncle Ben Taylor gave a traditional Welcome to Jamie for that moving and very powerful speech at the Country and there were a variety of traditional end. it was very thought provoking, reflective and a Noongar cultural performances including a smoking very meaningful reminder for everyone. He spoke on 3 ceremony coordinated by Della Rae Morrison. Among things (1) truth (2) Justice and (3) Healing. I don't the 1000 passengers on board were Hiroshima think there was a dry eyed person in that room”. ‘Hibakusha’ (atomic bomb) survivor Mr Miyake Nobuo Doreen Green

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Noongar songs are taught in schools by young Aboriginal performers Kobi Morrison and Leonie Wilkes as part of Madjitil Moorna’s ongoing Koorlong Project using the Aboriginal Songs for Schools and communities songs.

https://www.madjitilmoorna.org.au/workshops. Children of Forrestfield Primary school 16 February Willandra School, Seville Grove was Koorlong with a difference with Music Teacher and choir member Jane Nicholas and her all-Indigenous choir! Film maker Mat de Koning came to film kids singing ‘Ancient Sands’, led by Kobi Arthur Morrison and Leonie Wilkes.

Above - Music Specialist Ms Jenny Coleman (L), Kobi, Leonie, Atsuko, Cathie and Burrendah School children

Burrendah Primary School children

Jenny Coleman said “We really enjoyed the workshop with your choir. The presenters and singers were Mat de Koning filming the Willandra School children wonderful and all the children were engaged”.

'Ancient Sands' is one of many contemporary songs Other Koorlong workshops have been at Burrendah shared through Madjitil Moorna , many of them in Primary School Willeton, Ashburton Drive Primary Noongar language. People love ‘Ancient Sands’ School ,Makybe Rise Primary school, Xavier Catholic School, Padbury Out of School Care. because everyone is made to feel welcome as we live together on this ancient land.

'Ancient Sands' was written by Kobi Morrison, Moira Lane, Dawn Michelle and Elly Jones at Roelands Village, where the choir visited for its 10th anniversary gathering in 2016. Appearing on this video are Kobi Morrison and Leonie Wilkes with choirs from Willandra, West Morley and Forrestfield Primary Schools. The audio track was completed by singer Ron Dick with the Madjitil Moorna Choir. Ashburton Drive Primary School children Special thanks to Ms Nicole Borbas Deputy Principal Ashburton Drive Primary for the photo.

5 21 March Ancient Sands Harmony Day

Three schools - Forrestfield, Willandra and West Madjitil Moorna was invited by the Honeywood Morley Primary Schools were involved in the Residents Group and the Honeywood Primary School preparation for Madjitil Moorna's Harmony Day event P&C to be part of the Honeywood Harmony Day held at Forrestfield Primary School. The video Ancient at the school oval Windjana Rise, Wandi. Harmony Sands was launched to huge applause. A Welcome to Day is a celebration of our cultural diversity – a day of Country was given by Nick Abraham. All three choirs cultural respect for everyone who calls Australia sang individually and with Madjitil Moorna Choir. home. Madjitil Moorna were very pleased to be Other acts included Ally-Anne from Kukatja in the invited and to include ‘Ancient Sands’ in their Kimberley, Irish singer Aminah Hughes, Persian soloist repertoire – a song about heritage which helps Tara Tiba and Beleza Drummers. The night ended with everyone to realise they belong. traditional Noongar dance on a beautiful sand circle 16 March Perth Observatory created by Beccy Garlett as seen in the photo. Kids were invited onto the circle to pound the sand into the grass as they imitated the talented dancers from

Doorum Dancers with Olman Walley on didgeridoo.

"Harmony day celebrated in such a harmonious way. So much fun for the kids. This simple little song has been embraced by the kids and they've made it their own. A lilting Irish songbird; Brazilian drummers; a powerful Iranian voice (the more poignant for being banned from singing in her own country) combined with an informative Welcome to Country by Nick Abraham, a long time Forrestfield resident; Auntie This year's lecture speaker was Astronomer Stacy Josie's sand pictures; 10 year old Kimberley singer Ally- Mader a descendent of the Kidja people. Stacy shared Anne who lost her sight at 3 and says "it's cool to read about his time at Parkes Observatory. In the second Braille in the dark"; a fabulous sand mandala by Bec part of the lecture he offered a perspective of the Garlett who told its story and it was then danced upon Orion region from his own research as well as how by the fabulous Djoorum Dancers led by Olman other cultures have viewed the region over time. MM Walley. One of our (rare this summer) 38 degree days enjoyed sharing songs as well as listening to Aunty was a challenge in the covered playground area but to Josie Wowalla Boyle supported by Bronwyn Goss tell its credit, many of the audience stayed. Thanks." stories about the Seven Sisters and much more. Dawn Michelle

6 30 March The Woylie Festival, Fremantle

07 April Cultural Day – a great event. Below we see Della Rae Morrison leading the choir mob assisted by Kobi Morrison on guitar.

Madjitil Moorna was excited to be part of the inaugural Woylie Festival – (the Aboriginal Australian Kids Story Festival) celebrating Aboriginal stories through languages, literature and the arts. The Whadjuk people, on whose traditional land the festival took place refer to Fremantle as Walyalup, meaning place of the woylie. The Woylie Festival and was held over one week in Fremantle.

The Woylie Festival opened with a performance by Moorditj Mob following a smoking ceremony & Welcome to Country by Marie Taylor. Kim Scott & Roma Winmar talked about the Wirlomin Project and many other Aboriginal writers and artists were involved with picture books and exhibitions by illustrators, including Sally Morgan.

Madjitil Moorna was involved in the Families Story Day. Aunty Josie Wowalla Boyle told ancestral stories of red country via her iconic sand art projections. Madjitil Moorna enjoyed singing a selection of songs. Children were encouraged to join the choir mob and share in the fun. “I’m a Yongka (kangaroo) ” by George Walley is a song with actions that always causes much participation and enjoyment. Thanks George

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 11 April – The Vincent Citizenship ceremony for 44 new citizens and families was an intimate event.

When the City of Vincent asked Madjitil Moorna to sing the Noongar version National Anthem, Kolbang Australia Kwop, go forward Australia, we were pleased to say yes! The Anthem was translated by the Aunty Josie Wowalla Boyle prepared for story telling Walyalup Waangkan Noongar Language Group 2015.

7 ‘ I really liked the way you walked us through the critically involved. You will see this if you sign up for words and invited us to sing. We hear Noongar the course here. language spoken but we haven’t been invited to try it before.’ - Len Kosova, CEO City of Vincent

Della Rae Morrison and George Walley at the Launch

We hope that other Cities, Shires and Towns will take Also, while we’re here if you want to go on a cultural note of the City of Vincent’s lead. tour with George check out this link: ______https://mandurahdreaming.com.au

28 April The Strategic Planning Day was facilitated by David Hewitt, Goodwill Officer for WA Primary Principals Assoc and held over 3 hours at Jorgensen Park, Kalamunda. Well attended the Day reminded the group about the key for Madjitil Moorna’s existence and for its role into the future. Themes for the day were collaborations / knowledge of inter-generational trauma and the need to continue to learn and share about it / supporting each other and being ‘foot soldiers’ for the choir in the 19 April- The Noongar Language and Culture MOOC community towards better understanding. We (Massive Open Online Course) Launch was held in the identified songs from Madjitil Moorna’s repertoire foyer at , Centre for Aboriginal which represent the intersection of our Aims Studies. Madjitil Moorna was honoured to be (‘Vision’ in previous document) with ‘Our Journey’. involved. Course instructors are Prof Marion Kickett and Prof Simon Forrest from Curtin Uni. The strategic plan was further developed with ideas based on our Values:

C Underpinning Culture, H Healing,

O Openness,

I Inspiration, Respect and surrounded by R S Spirit

Attendees listening to Prof Simon Forrest

C H O I R S George Walley previous Music Director for MM and once again on the Management Committee was Thank you David Hewitt for your helpful facilitation !

8 30 April was one of many interesting practice nights. It was a privilege as always to be involved in such an This one was with Special Guest Kankawa Nagarra event. Uncle Ben Taylor gave the Welcome to Country (Olive Knight) seen here singing to the choir mob at and is seen here enjoying a cuppa after the event with Anderson Rd Community Centre, Forrestfield. choir member Jula Mullaby.

Kankawa Nagarra singing to the choir mob 24 May 2018 Sorry Day Flowers

The making of SORRY DAY Flowers in time for Sorry Day and Reconciliation week has become a regular event. The Native Hibiscus as chosen by the Kimberley Stolen Generation Aboriginal Corporation symbolises the strength and survival of the Aboriginal people If you want to read more about Kankawa Nagarra you who were taken away from their families because of can research The Bauhinia Tree: The Life of Kankawa previous government policies. The MM Mob likes to Nagarra Olive Knight gift these flowers to Stolen Generation survivors.

These flowers were made at the Walyalup Kannajil singing workshop series. Walyalup Kannajil has had the pleasure of Aboriginal Elder, Aunty Josie Wowolla Boyle (storyteller, painter and singer) attending a few sessions as a special guest.

Doreen Green (now on the MM Management team) with Kankawa Nagarra

17 May City of Perth Reconciliation Action Plan Launch at Council House Gardens, Perth.

Above are some of the folk at the Walyalup Kannajil singing workshop series in Fremantle. More Info: Uncle Ben Taylor and choir member Jula Mullaby Susie Waller 0412 373 854 Restarts 02 Aug.

9 26 MAY 2018 SORRY DAY 2018 SQUARE , EAST PERTH

Sorry Day 2018 (Perth) was for the first time held at Yagan Square. The square is named after prominent Noongar leader Yagan (c1795-1833) and reflects Aboriginal culture offering an insight into Whajduk history. The Sorry Day event was compered by Narelda Jacobs and opened with a smoking ceremony. The event remembered the experiences and impact of ‘Stolen Generations’ government policies on our First West Australian people. Jim Morrison spoke powerfully. Madjitil Moorna, Singers of Aboriginal Songs led by Della Rae Morrison sang Sorry Song by Kerry Fletcher. For the first time there is now a Noongar translation for some of the words of the song.

Della Rae Morrison leads Moombaki with Tori Oakley, Charley Caruso, Pat Oakley and Brooke Anderton on Sorry Day. Madjitil Moorna stands behind ready to sing the Sorry Song.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 01 -04 Denmark Festival of Voice “The Denmark crowd was so lovely as usual. it was a beautiful festival with heaps of Noongar content and respect. The first gig for MM was going to be for families. It was a new concept and we were ready for anything being prepared with lots of kids songs... It turned out to be a full hall with not a kid in sight! The adults loved the kids songs fortunately and energetically hopped around to George Walley’s ‘I’m a Yongka”. It was a fabulous weekend of Jan Applin, Mary Jo Harris and Lee Peters song and words, mime and poetry and chuckling over something at DFoV huge giving hearts. Della Rae Morrison and Kobi Arthur Morrison were legendary in their leadership throughout a full weekend of rehearsals and performances. MM moorditjabiny, becoming stronger.” Jo Randell.

Remember.... 13 August 2018 NEW START- New members always welcome 

Jo Randell Choir Coordinator [email protected] Pauline Vigus Newsletter Content [email protected]

Madjitil Moorna is a unique community choir singing Aboriginal songs, led by award-winning Aboriginal performers. We sing for better understanding, challenging old stereotypes as people from all backgrounds open their ears and hearts to explore Aboriginal culture, through song and story. Check us out at Anderson Road Community Centre, 24 Anderson Rd, Forrestfield, WA Mondays during school terms from 6.30pm for a cuppa, 7pm to sing. More info: www.madjitilmoorna.org.au Find us at Facebook

Thanks are due to the

We are privileged to sing on Whadjuk Noongar Country. We pay our respects to Elders Past, Present and Future. .

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