The Rebelles acknowledge the traditional custodians of the many lands on which we gather, create and perform. We acknowledge the wisdom, dignity and resilience of the elders of these lands, both past and present. We recognise all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are continuing to carry their culture and their connections to land, sea and community, and we commit to playing our role in the ongoing journey toward reconciliation.
We acknowledge that we are privileged to play music by people of colour, some of whom did not get the recognition they deserve.
With kind permission from the Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation, we would like to share this song, Ngarra Burra Ferra, with you. Many of you will know it from the soundtrack of ‘The Sapphires’. It’s an old gospel tune called ‘Bring Back Pharaoh’s Army’ that was sung by The Fisk Jubilee Singers. It was translated by Yorta Yorta Elder Therese Clements and transcribed by the great great grandfather of Dr Lou Bennett AM, Thomas Shadrach James. Dr Bennett was kind enough to also give her permission for us to sing this song in language.
Sovereignty has never been ceded. Always was, always will be.
