Australia's most famous blue heeler has made a special appearance at the Garma Festival in northeast Arnhem Land, where several Bluey episodes translated into Yolŋu Matha were screened.
The four-day event, hosted by the Yothu Yindi Foundation, showcases traditional Yolŋu art, song, dance and storytelling. This year's festival is expected to attract about two-thousand guests, including Bluey.
Episodes voiced by local Yolŋu community
The translated episodes, voiced by members of the local Yolŋu community, were screened at the festival on Friday night and drew a large crowd of local children. Among them was young Bluey fan Gika Yunupingu, who smiled and cuddled the human-sized blue heeler for a photo.
His father, Winston Yunupingu, told NITV the translation was important for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous audiences. "I think it's very important for the dhuwala (children) here, especially the ones that are coming up and for both as well, for balanda (non-Indigenous) as well to be able to watch and learn and both, and I think it's very important for them to learn. For Bluey here, I think everyone is excited," he said.
Proud moment for young fans
The translated episodes were produced by Yolŋu Radio, Aboriginal Resource and Development Services, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and Ludo Studio. Mr Yunupingu said Bluey's presence added to the festival's celebration of culture, which draws international visitors each year.
High school student Kenisha Black, a long-time fan of the cartoon, said hearing Bluey in Yolŋu Matha made her proud of her culture and language. "It means so much, makes me very proud, I'm glad that other kids have it, I wish I had it when I was young," she said.
