Welcome to Country Ceremonies

Through story, dance and creative expression, this program provides participants with the opportunity to learn about the life and culture of our Arakwal people. Presented by Arakwal Aboriginal guides, participants join traditional owners in art, dance and ceremonies, learning about the significance of the land and sea and importantly dolphins to our people.

The aim of Dolphin Dreaming is for program participants to achieve a deeper cultural awareness in respecting, valuing and appreciating Arakwal Country. Dolphin Dreaming is an experiential program, in Arakwal Country, led by an experienced Arakwal guide where participants have the opportunity to learn about Aboriginal culture, language, music, local families & history.

About the Program

Arranging a Welcome to Country demonstrates a great level of respect for Arakwal People as the Traditional Owners of the land in which we live, work and play! It is important that specific protocols are respectfully adhered to in the Byron Region solely for Arakwal Traditional Custodians. Welcome to Country can include a speech, a story of Country, or in very special circumstances a dance or a smoking ceremony.

Welcome to Country Bookings

Arranging a “Welcome to Country” of the land shows respect for Arakwal Bundjalung people as the First Peoples. Welcome to Country promotes an awareness, understanding and mutual respect for cultural practices by both Arakwal Bundjalung and the wider community through observation of protocols and sharing in cultural practice.

Enquires

More Cultural Programs

Dolphin Dreaming

Through story, dance and creative expression, this program provides participants with the opportunity to learn about the life and culture of our Arakwal people.

Bigal Nali Jagun

Our Men’s dance group here is called Bigal Nali Jagun which means Men coming together representing country

Yarning about The Pass Midden

Uncover the past and yarn about the present by joining traditional custodians, Arakwal Aboriginal guides in an investigation of The Pass midden, a 1000 year old significant Aboriginal site.

Dubay Dancers

The Arakwal Dubay (meaning women) Dancers are a dance troupe that practice and perform traditional dance

Burra Jurra Surf

Burrajurra Surf Program is for our own mob, and for members of the wider Aboriginal Bundjalung nation. If you are an Aboriginal young person, young parent or keen surfer then get in contact and get involved.

Walgun Walk & Talk

Join an Arakwal Aboriginal Discovery Guide to learn more about Arakwal Bundjalung people and their ongoing connection to culture in their local area.

Walk With Me: Aboriginal Walk and Talk

Join an Arakwal Aboriginal Discovery Guide to learn more about Arakwal Bundjalung people and their ongoing connection to culture in their local area.

Sea Country

NSW Marine Parks Education Kit explores Aboriginal peoples’ connection to and use of the sea (sea country) in the Cape Byron area, including their traditional practices, and how this connection is expressed through art, dance and music

Place of Plenty

Led by our guides from the Arakwal Aboriginal Cooperation, participants engage in a tour and activities relating to bush food.

Our mob

The Bundjalung of Byron Bay – Arakwal Bumberlin people, have lived in the coastal landscape around the Byron Bay area for thousands of years. We are the Native Title Holders and recognised Traditional Custodians of Byron Bay. Arakwal Country extends from Jew Point, south of Broken Head to the Brunswick River up north, west to Mullumbimby, Bangalow and Newrybar and includes a portion of sea country off the Tyagarah Nature Reserve, north of Byron Bay.

The Byron Bay Arakwal people are part of the wider Bundjalung nation and their history predates the arrival of non-Aboriginal people in the Byron Bay area. Ancestors, Bobby and Alice, Harry and Clara Bray, Linda and Jimmy Kay, have passed on their traditions and cultural practices that are alive in many of our descendants today.