TRACKS : Works : 2009 : Milpirri 09

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2009: MILPIRRI 09 — Lajamanu, North Tanami Desert

Work : Director's Notes : Response : Creative Personnel : Soundtrack : Performers : Scenario : Narration and Song words : Thank You : Sponsors : Funding Bodies

Work

This year’s MILPIRRI is based on the Juntu purlapa. Purlapa is a type of open (public) performance and celebration. The Juntu performance teaches a story about kuruwarri (the law).

photos : video : tv promo : dvd

PLEASE NOTE: DVDs of this production are available for educational and research purposes only.

Lajamanu is a remote Aboriginal Community in the Northern Territory. The MILPIRRI project is based on a relationship between its creator Steve Wanta Jampijinpa Patrick (a Warlpiri man from Lajamanu), Lajamanu elders, Tracks Dance Company and the Lajamanu Community Education Centre.

This MILPIRRI performance contained eighteen sections, ten of which were traditional and eight contemporary. The event was based around a Warlpiri Purlapa (public ceremony) called Juntu, a ceremony that teaches about law and justice. Four themes were derived from the traditional ceremony: Justice, Respect, Discipline and Responsibility. These themes were matched with songs, stories and metaphors related to traditional Warlpiri artefacts. For example, boomerangs symbolise respect, digging sticks symbolise the search for knowledge and the stone axe is a mark of responsibility. The performance culminates with the songs and dances for the Milky Way. In Warlpiri Law the Milky Way is a symbol of the path or road that a person should follow to be a productive and moral citizen. This Milky Way is also connected with the Emu stories, which stress the importance of teaching, and the Southern Cross stories that outline the essential principles of Warlpiri culture. In MILPIRRI, as in Warlpiri Law, each family group is responsible for a part of the story and therefore all families must participate in order to deliver a complete message.

In addition, all MILPIRRI events are based on an understanding of the rain dreaming song cycles and the rain cloud known as Milpirri. The Milpirri cloud is a storm cloud created by turbulent air rising off the desert. The turbulence represents the conflicts that arise between disputing parties. In contemporary times it is seen as a metaphor for the clash between mainstream and Warlpiri world views. The rain that falls after the storm is a symbol of the resolution that must be achieved after conflict. An integral part of all MILPIRRI performances is the philosophy that Yapa (Warlpiri) and Kardiya (non-indigenous people) must work together to understand each other and that from this position of mutual respect that reconciliation can be achieved, and more informed choices can be made. In the words of MILPIRRI creator, Steve Wanta Jampijinpa Patrick:

“Milpirri is about discovering together what it truly means to be Australian”.

Director's Notes

This year’sMILPIRRI is based on the Juntu purlapa. The Juntu performance teaches a story about kuruwarri (the law) that was given to a woman, Jangiya (Liddy) Nakamarra, in the 1950s or 1960s. It is based on real events that occurred in the late 1800s or early 1900s, concerning a man who committed a very serious crime.

This year’sMILPIRRI is focusing on kuruwarri – Warlpiri law. The themes of the Juntu ceremony describe how all Warlpiri people are bound by the law and must face the consequences of their actions. Kuruwarri (the law) explains the proper functioning of the world, including the correct way in which humans should relate to each other and the world around them, as given to Warlpiri people through the Jukurrpa, rather than a set of rules designed and constantly modified by humans to regulate society.

Response

(Note: English is a second or third language for many Warlpiri people. All comments were given in English and have been edited only sparingly. Kardiya means non-indigenous and yapa means Warlpiri people.)

"This MILPIRRI is one of the best things that the world should know about. MILPIRRI, it shows that Warlpiri people have Law and Justice. Law and Justice is a Kardiya word but we have Law and Justice in place but with dance, singing, the paintings. The discipline is in our rites and it can be shown to a lot of these children, the younger generation. It [MILPIRRI] brings people together and shows the world that we have something in common. They have it and we have it too but ours has always been here. Songs, dance, the lot. We are so proud we like to get our kids to train. The government is saying fill the gap, we can do it easy with this. Give us the funds and we can do more of this stuff in our own way." Rex Granites Japanangka (Warlpiri Elder and PhD candidate at Australian National University)

"Tonight was an amazing night to bring everyone together to celebrate together. Because our Law mixes in now with the Kardiya Law as well - bringing us together to stand together and to walk together on the same path and hopefully that will continue so that we can work together and live together and share together and care together, that is what MILPIRRI is all about. MILPIRRI does benefit our young people by bringing our young people into the light so that they can share their culture and we can continuing showing our culture to the young ones as well. Hopefully next year we can have a bigger MILPIRRI which will draw more people, not only people from around Australia but hopefully people from overseas will come to Lajamanu." Peter Jigili Jangala (Council Member)

"MILPIRRI is very unique cultural festival. It brings together old people and young people, traditional culture and contemporary influences, Aboriginal people and non-Aboriginal people in what is a spectacular and inspiring cross cultural event. Importantly too, the festival promotes the importance of education to young people and helps them to make connections between the old ways and life in the 21st Century." Paul Davis (Community Relations Coordinator Newmont Asia Pacific)

"I can’t thank you guys enough. MILPIRRI is the biggest and most exciting thing to happen to Lajamanu and we all really appreciate it." Andrew (Lajamanu Air Chief Pilot)

"I loved old men dancing, I loved old women dancing – I watched old yellow men and yellow is my skin group." Comments from Grade 3,4,5 class.

"[I’m] really looking forward to future dances with MILPIRRI." Myra Herbert Nungarrayi (Warlpiri Elder and Dancer)

"MILPIRRI is the only chance we got today, showing our community, showing our young children. It is not for the old people but we see our elders, our tribe at Yuendumu are losing control of the young people, our older people are outnumbered there, none of our older people are willing to take the lead and get these young people back. The only way we can show Nyirripi, Yuendumu, Willowra, Ti-Tree is by setting up this MILPIRRI which is already working. A lot of our people from there now they think it is really good and they agree with it and now young people are starting to sort of take a step. And say "ahh yeah, that is the kind of things you old people used to do before, we are seeing it now". It is the things that we are giving them, the guidelines. Not only the guidelines to follow from the old people but the guidelines we have to give them to bring our young people forward. These are the things they need to follow. MILPIRRI is the way." Billy Bunter Jampijinpa (Warlpiri Elder)

"MILPIRRI is so they can remember that for the future, for everyone, passing it from generation to generation." Tim Kennedy Jupurrula (Warlpiri Elder)

"This thing called MILPIRRI, I think every communities needs it." Chris Marshall (who was in Lajamanu in the late 60's and early 70's)

"For non indigenous and indigenous people. Kardiya and yapa together. Tonight we been join together on this MILPIRRI reason, this ceremony, and everybody had a really good ceremony tonight. Dancing, singing, really good one." Jerry Jangala (Warlpiri Elder)

"Did you see those old men applauding? That is not very normal for Warlpiri. They applauded the women and kids because it was spontaneous. They enjoyed what each other had achieved. Also, I got a hug from one of my family members, it is not normal for a Warlpiri to hug your niece of nephew, but she couldn’t help it. She was proud of me and the whole thing – how often do Warlpiri get to feel proud of their family and kids." Steve Wanta Patrick Jampijinpa (MILPIRRI creator)

Creative Personnel

	Creative Director	Steve Wanta Jampijinpa Patrick
	Co Artistic Directors	Tim (Jampijinpa) Newth, David (Japaljarri) McMicken
	Producers	Tracks Dance Company
	Traditional Choreography	Lajamanu Elders
	Contemporary Choreography	Nick (Japanangka) Power, Jessica (Napangardi) Devereux, Jenelle (Nakamarra) Saunders
	Youth Dance Leader	Caleb Japanangka Patrick
	Soundtrack Mixing and Production	Matthew Cunliffe, Dennis Gilbert, Subsonic Studios
	Sound and Light Operators / Technical Assistants	Daniel Lade, Neil Macknight
	Poster Design	Mark Marcelis
	Tracks General Manager	Susan (Nampijinpa) Congreve
	Tracks Production Manager	Kelly Blumberg
	Tracks Administrator	Gail Evans
	Photo Documentation	Peter Eve
	DVD Production	Cutting Edge
	Editing	Todd Williams
	Camera Man	Ian Redfearn
	Evaluation Consultant	Miles (Jangala) Holmes

Soundtrack

	Narration	Steve Wanta Jampijinpa Patrick
	Traditional vocals	Jerry Jangala Patrick, Myra Nungarrayi Herbert, Gladys Napangardi Tasman, Molly Napurrurla Tasman, Rosie Napurrurla Tasman, Margrett Nungarrayi Martin Lily Nungarrayi Hargraves, Judy Napaljarri Walker, Liddy Nampijinpa Miller
	Youth Dance Music	Building Steam With a Grain of Salt - DJ Shadow, Say What You Feel - Katalyst featuring Stephanie McKay, Inner City Discipline - Arrested Development, How Many Boys - M.I.A., Lesson 3 – DJ Shadow, The DJ Bacon Mix, Kicking and Screaming - The Presets, Insight - Fort Knox 5
	Original Music	Yungkaju Kurdari (Milky Way Song): Words – Steve Wanta Jampijinpa Patrick Music: Zac Nakamarra Patterson, Kenneth Jungarrayi Martin, Steve Hannon Vocals: Zac Jakamarra Patterson, Kenneth Jungarrayi Martin

Performers

Jupurrurla Jakamarra Napurrurla Nakamarra
(Red Group)

Male Dancers and Singers
Henry Jakamarra Cook
Teddy Jupurrula Morrison
Tim Jupurrurla Kennedy
Neil Jupurrurla Cook
Shane Jupurrurla White
Titus Jupurrurla White
Dermott Jupurrula Cook
Lyndon Jupurrula Gordon
Lorenzo Jupurrula Lewis
Jake Jakamarra Patterson
Dion Jakamarra Patterson
Zac Jakamarra Patterson (1)
Zac Jakamarra Patterson (2)
Parker Jakamarra Patterson
Jared Jakamarra Ross

Female Dancers and Singers
Molly Napurrurla Tasman
Rosie Napurrurla Tasman
Mayble Napurrurla Samuels
Doris Nakamarra Lewis
Laura Nakamarra Doolan
Beryl Nakamarra Barnes
Judy Napurrurla Collins
Della Nakamarra Lewis
Noressa Napurrurla White
Mercia Napurrurla Lewis
Charmaine Napurrurla Brown
Jenny Nakamarra Timms
Sabrina Nakamarra Nelson
Mary K Nakamarra Lewis
Barbara Nakamarra Morrison
Belinda Nakamarra Baker
Katrina Nakamarra Penn
Merandah Napurrurla Cook

Male Youth Dancers
Kieran Jupurrurla Dixon
Mike Jupurrurla Patterson
Sheldon Jakamarra James
Troy Jakamarra Peters
Malcolm Jupurrurla Armstrong
Ingo Jakamarra White

Female Youth Dancers
Kira-Lee Napurrurla Rose
Tina Napurrurla Patterson
Keisha Nakamarra White
Leilani Napurrurla Walker
Leonie Nakamarra Patterson
Sinarta Napurrurla Ross
Timirika Nakamarra Patterson

Japaljarri Jungarrayi Napaljarri Nungarrayi
(Yellow Group)

Male Dancers and Singers
Dick Japaljarri Raymond
Richard Japaljarri Payton Senior
Roger Japaljarri Jurrah
Kenneth Jungarrayi Martin
Jonas Jungarrayi George
Rohan Jungarrayi George
Breaden Jungarrayi Hogan
Brendon Jungarrayi Payton
Tyson Jungarrayi Rose
Floyd Jungarrayi Rose
Travis Jungarrayi Penn
Mitchell Jungarrayi Rose
Rhys Japaljarri Gibson
Angelo Japaljarri Jigili
Doi (Jungarrayi) Yukihiro
Jimmy Japaljarri Wavehill*
Thomas Jungarrayi Monkey*

Female Dancers and Singers
Myra Nungarrayi Herbert
Margrett Nungarrayi Martin
Lily Nungarrayi Hargraves
Biddy Nungarrayi Jurrah
Beth Nungarrayi Barnes
Lorraine Nungarrayi Granites
Margret Nungarrayi Robertson
Alice Napaljarri Kelly
Judy Napaljarri Walker
Peggy Napaljarri Rockman
Mona Napaljarri Rockman
Sonia Napaljarri Cook
Louise Napaljarri Payton
Lorraine Nungarrayi Macdonald
Francine Nungarrayi Rose
Gracie Napaljarri Rankin
Dulcie Napaljarri Herbert
Annette Napaljarri Herbert
Amy Napaljarri Cook

Male Youth Dancers
Ananais Japaljarri Tasman
Corey Jungarrayi Raymond
Richard Japaljarri Payton
Saverio Jungarrayi Jurrah
Ananias Japaljarri Payton
Brad Japaljarri Jigili
Costello Japaljarri Ronson
Lucas Jungarrayi Walker

Female Youth Dancers
Renata Nungarrayi Gordon
Katelyn Nungarrayi Moketarija
Clarise Napaljarri McDonald
Rayneisha Napaljarri Rose
Tiffaney Napaljarri Edwards
Rexana Nungarrayi Herbert
Leitisha Nungarrayi Rankin

Japangardi Japanangka Napangardi Napanangka
(Green Group)

Male Dancers and Singers
Joe Japanangka James
Rex Japanangka Granites
Maxwell Japanangka Tasman
Dylan Japanangka Gordon
Shaun Japangardi Johnson
Minawara Japangardi Dixon
Amos Japangardi Miller
Rhys Japangardi Carlton
Paddy Japangardi Doolak*

Female Dancers and Singers
Judy Napangardi Martin
Biddy Napangardi Raymond
Gladys Napangardi Tasman
Lynette Napangardi Tasman
Denise Napangardi Tasman
Christine Napanangka Johnson
Kitty Napanangka Simon
Emma Napanangka Morrison
Leanne Napangardi Scobie
Amanda Napangardi Dixon
Myra Napangardi Johnson
Delvene Napangardi Dixon
Kathleen Napangardi Sambo*
Molly Napangardi Dodd*
Topsy Napangardi Dodd*

Male Youth Dancers
Caleb Japanangka Patrick
Neano Japangardi Bedford
Nicky Japanangka James
Stephen Japangardi Daniels
Brent Japangardi Tasman
Devon Japanangka Marks-Burns
Nickholas Japangardi Johnson
Patrick Japangardi Bradshaw
Daniel Japangardi Nelson

Female Youth Dancers
Sophia Napanangka Poulson
Jaynita Napangardi Gordon
Celine Napangardi Tasman
Desbina Napangardi Nelson
Kenesha Napangardi Gordon
Macala Napangardi Donnelly
Lyndal Napangardi Dixon

* Wave Hill Dancers and Singers

Jangala Jampijinpa Nangala Nampijinpa
(Blue Group)

Male Dancers and Singers
Jerry Jangala Patrick
Peter Jangala Raymond
Thomas Jangala Sampson
Toby Jangala Martin
Micheal Jangala Watson
Leslie Jampijinpa Robertson
Billy Jampijinpa Bunter
Norman Jampijinpa Kelly
Dion Jangala Kelly
Edmond Jangala Kelly
Steven Jangala Robertson
Tarrpa Jangala Patrick
Ashley Jangala Patrick
Scotty Jangala Patrick
Hamish Jangala Burns
Gaberille Jangala Driver
Clinton Jampijinpa Kelly
Felix Jampijinpa Jigili
Tony Jampijinpa Sampson
Liam Jampijinpa Kelly
Ronnie Jangala Wavehill*
Steven Jangala Wavehill*

Female Dancers and Singers
Liddy Nampijinpa Miller
Annette Nampijinpa Patrick
Angela Nangala Kelly
Jasman Nangala Patrick
Mantrina Nangala Robertson
Lavah Nangala Kelly
Kylie Nangala Patrick
Atrina Nangala Robertson
Priscilla Nangala Robertson
Patsy Nangala Herbert
Teresa Nangala Yibworn*
Biddy Nangala Wavehill*
Peggy Nangala Manbulloo*

Male Youth Dancers
Howard Jangala Sampson
Michaelis Jangala Sampson
Shannon Jampijinpa Rose
Kealyn Jampijinpa Kelly
Dasmond Jampijinpa Robertson
Elijah Jampijinpa Kelly
Joe Jangala Foster
Norbert Jampijinpa Patrick
Hendrix Jangala Burns

Female Youth Dancers
Lavina Nangala Sampson
Cheryl-lee Nampijinpa Rose
Courtney Nampijinpa Patrick
Kiara-Xena Nampijinpa Rose
Richache Nampijinpa Jigili
Shekira Nampijinpa Robertson
Trixie Nangala Patrick
Wakukuta Nangala Patrick

Scenario

This year’sMILPIRRI is divided into four sections, each representing a theme from the Juntu ceremony, with excerpts from the original purlapa performance, as well as modern interpretations performed by younger generations. Each of the colour groups (based on father-son skin groupings) have responsibility for one section.

MILPIRRI Introduction
Traditional lightning dance

Justice Introduction – Red (Jakamarra/Jupurrula, Nakamarra/Napurrula)
Traditional Male Dance– mangulpa (black-headed spear)
The red group have responsibility for many important areas of law and dance the spear and kangaroo songs, two very important bodies of legal knowledge.
Youth Dance
Traditional Female Dance – parraja (coolamon) and laypa and ngalikirri (grinding stone / mortar and pestle)
Ngurlu (grain) is winnowed in the parraja and then ground with the laypa and ngalikirri to make damper. This highly developed skill symbolises the tact, discretion and subtlety needed to understand how to live by kuruwarri.

Discipline Introduction – Yellow (Japaljarri/Jungarrayi, Napaljarri/Nungarrayi)
Traditional Male Dance – junma (stone knife)
The junma creates the chest scars that are administered ceremonially as a sign that one has demonstrated learning and self-discipline. Conversely, back-scarring is a sign of indiscipline, administered as ritual punishment during mourning ceremonies.
Youth Dance
Traditional Female Dance – witi (ceremonial poles)
The witi are a pair of ceremonial poles that symbolise choice and accepting the consequences of those choices.

Respect Introduction – Green (Japanangka/Japangardi, Napanangka/Napangardi)
Traditional Male Dance – karli and wirlki (boomerang)
The boomerang is universally recognised as a token of respect and is exchanged as a sign of goodwill, contrition or gratitude. For instance, the highly prized no. 7 boomerang is traditionally exchanged between a teacher and student.
Youth Dance
Traditional Female Dance– kana (digging stick)
The kana is the pointers next to the Southern Cross and points to the emu’s throat, showing where food goes, both food for the body and the food that feeds the mind

Responsibility Introduction – Blue (Jangala/Jampijinpa, Nangala/Nampijinpa)
Traditional Male Dance – kurrwa (stone axe)
The kurrwa is the tool that is used to create all other tools as well as essential for survival on country. It requires significant knowledge and skill to make and is given ceremonially to signify that someone is ready to have the responsibility of using it wisely.
Traditional Female Dance – mardu (water carrier)
The mardu holds life-giving water and symbolically holds those things that nurture the system of life in Warlpiri people and country.
Youth Dance

Milky Way Finale – The Southern Cross and Emu (karna-nganja)
The Milky Way is a road of learning. The sacred emu, a symbol of knowledge, flies within it, the Southern Cross crowning its head. If people learn to read the knowledge encoded within the Milky Way they can learn how to follow the law, to follow the right road and become good Warlpiri citizens. Part of the Milky Way Jukurrpa is danced as the finale in this year’s MILPIRRI.
Sky Lanterns

Narration and Song words

Introduction
Speak to the land and the land will speak back
Don’t be afraid to go and find out about the world
You have to be hungry for it, and go hunting for it, and in doing that you are discovering yourself
This year’sMILPIRRI is about the body, the body of law and laws

Justice
Bring to balance
Getting back on track
Putting to ease the tension
Moving forward – being accepted back

Discipline
To be disciplined is to know, understand and follow the law
You will find freedom with yourself, your people and your country
You are not just looking after your story you are looking after everyone's story
Discipline is our tool for keeping our story alive

Respect T
his land belongs to us all
We are a body of people – we are the arms and legs of each other
Know that no-one is better than anyone else
Everyone is valued – each group is respected
Every one is equal in the gaining access of the knowledge
Watch out for the lawless one

Responsibility
See the Southern Cross in the night sky
Let the Southern Cross sit within you
Let it guide, shape and even carry you
Responsibility is one of the tools to strengthen our identity
Our country and its stories are as unique as each one of us
We are born here
We are responsible for keeping the identity of our country alive

Milky Way Finale
This is crown land
Crowned well before the queen
Do you want to see the crown
Do you want to see an emu fly
Look above- see the Milky Way
Don’t let others do the hunting for you
Know your strengths
Know your weaknesses
Like a star Let the law of the land be the light that can shine out in us all
Let it bind us together
Learn the laws of this land

Yungkaju Kurdari (Milky Way Song)
Yungkaju Kurdari
Yungurnaju, Milyapinyi
Ngrarrpara warnarna
Yanirini manu yanirri
Kumumju Ngurlu-rna
Parrpardimi Kankanlarra kari
Yungkaju Kurdari

Thank You

Patty Japaljarri Simms (Wulpararri), Otto Jungarrayi Simms, The Sky Lantern team, Jerry Jangala Patrick, Teddy Jupurrurla Morrison, Myra Nungarrayi Herbert , the Wave Hill mob, Lajamanu School staff, Central Desert Shire staff, Michael (Japanangka) Erglis, Paul Davies, Miles (Jangala) Holmes, Robert Chapman, The Lajamanu Clinic, Alan Marshall, Jessica Groves, Mevlana Adil, Dr Stephen Wild, our family and friends and a special thank you to the clan group leaders who released their paintings, song cycles, Dreaming stories and ceremonies for public display.