Ailan Kastom showcased at Melanesian Arts & Culture Festival

“Next thing you know, flights were booked and we were off,” Cultural leader Alick Tipoti said.

Australian High Commissioner Heidi Bootle and Mr Tipoti received cultural welcomes from the chiefs of the six provinces of Vanuatu, the Traditional Owners of those regions.

Ms Bootle said First Nations Australians, and in particular in the Torres Strait Islands, had strong cultural and historical links to Melanesia.

“Participation in the seventh Melanesian Arts and Culture Festival is a way for Australia to celebrate these relationships and bonds,” she said.

Mr Tipoti said it meant a lot to him to be part of a festival honoring the deep history of Melanesia.

“It’s about being physically and culturally being part of Melanesian culture,” he said.

“A lot of people in the Torres Strait have ancestors or descendants, all across the Melanesia and further into Polynesia.

“We’re just blessed to be here.

“I see it as an inspirational step for my people in the Torres Strait to make an effort to come and attend this festival.”

The Group performed a Kunawadh Minaral Baydham (tiger shark) performance, a Zugabuw Baydham

(star constellation) shark dance, Kaygasiw Usul milky way dance and Mawa mask dance.

“Mawa mask dance is about spirits and about cultural protocol,” Mr Tipoti said.

“The sons were wearing the masks and attracted mega crowds.”

He said he wanted to see the relationship between the Torres Strait and Melanesian communities grow.

“Who knows, the Melanesian festival might come to the Torres Strait, anything can happen,” he said.