April 25, 2024

Cultural Exchange Between Indigenous People from Australia and Cambodia

On April 24, 2024, the Bophana Center felt very honored to co-organize an event with the Australian Embassy under the theme “Preserving Indigenous Identity Through Art and Film” for a dialogue of different members from the Tumpoun, Kreung, Kui and Gamilaraay communities from Cambodia and Australia. This created a unique platform for dialogue, understanding, and cultural exchange.

The participation of Australian singer and songwriter Mitch Tambo, a Gamilaraay man with his wife Lele, a West Papuan woman, added depth and richness to the event by providing insights into indigenous Australian culture through music and performance. Indigenous Cambodian artists including a Tumpoun filmmaker, a Kreung artist, and Kui performers presented a Yike dance and shared their culture, customs, history, language, and challenges in their communities.

The Center would also like to thank H.E. Pablo Kang, Chargé d’Affairs, for his presence during this rare occasion and thanks to the Australian Embassy for making this exchange happen, which is a bridge to connect the diversity of indigenous groups in a globe. And a special thanks to all indigenous groups for sparing some of their valued time to share their unique culture and music with the audience, it was enriching in every sense.