Published: 24 Apr 2018
Aboriginal and Maori dancers will come together to perform at an Anzac Day ceremony in Perth as part of a campaign that focuses on mental health for men.
It is believed this will be the first time the two communities perform together as a joint Haka and Corroboree on Anzac Day.
Event coordinator Leon Ruri said it would be a unique performance with a powerful message for both the Australian and New Zealand communities.
"It's about the coming together of two cultures into one, to show strength and unity, and that two are better than one and stronger than one," he said.
"It can be a positive demonstration, not only as a stand for the Anzacs and their memory, but also as a demonstration to the world that you can bring cultures together, no matter our differences, and when we focus our intentions on one thing we can achieve wonderful things.
"We want to be a demonstration to men that no matter your background, your past, or what you've done, or who you are, that you can come together powerfully and fully express yourself," he said.
PHOTO: Aboriginal musicians and dancers join Maori doing the haka for Anzac Day. (ABC News: Irena Ceranic)
Leon established the Haka for Life Foundation which focuses on mental health issues for men.
MUA Western Australian Branch Assistant Secretary Danny Cain said the branch had supported the event by providing accommodation for the foundation to enable the two groups to rehearse.
“Hundreds of people will take place in this momentous event, including a number of MUA members,” Cain said.
“The MUA is proud to celebrate indigenous cultures and the spirit of ANZAC, while at the same time promoting the benefits of community and inclusion for men’s mental health."
The performance will take place at 7am following the Anzac Day dawn service at Kings Park.
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I whakatoopuutia taatou, mai ngaa hau e whaa, mo te pakanga nui o te ao I aahahaa! I whawhai tahi taatou, Te Hokowhitu aa Tuu, ki te hoariri, ki te kikino, ki te tauaa kua haramai kia whakangarohia taatou katoa E ruu ana ngaa rangi E ruu ana te whenua E ruu ana te manawa o raatou ngaa hooea, ngaa raupanga o te iwi e Kei wareware taatou Me maumahara taatou ki aa raatou katoa Engari, e kore i hinga te hoariri, te hoariri no roto Ko te whawhai o roto, te pakanga nui rawa e! Ko ahau te kaiwhakangaro Te maauiui o te hinengaro I rere tonu ngaa whakaaro I riwhariwha te whatumanawa Ka, mate, ka mate, ka mate ee I whea te uri toa o Tuumatauenga? Kua ngaro mo ake tonu atu? I whatia ngaa parirau a Rupe I kuurapa taku haere Mai te mamae kua puta te aroha Ka ora, ka piki, ka rere a Rupe Kua haumanu te toa e!! |
We came together, from the four winds For the great war of the world We fought together, the war party of Tuu, Against the enemy, against an evil war party sent to destroy us all The heavens shook The earth rumbled So too did the hearts of those soldiers, who sacrificed themselves for us, the people Lest we forget We will remember them But, alas, an enemy was not defeated. The enemy from within. The internal battle would prove to be the greatest battle of all I was the destroyer My mind was unwell The thoughts would not cease My heart was broken Die, Die, Die Where was the great warrior of Tuumatauenga? Was I lost forever? The wings of Rupe had been broken I wandered aimlessly But from the pain, emerged love to restore, uplift and enable Rupe to fly again The warrior had been uplifted |
