Raby Bay Harbour has hosted a fusion of cultures as a traditional Polynesian canoe was welcomed to the Redlands by the area’s Traditional Owners, the Quandamooka People.
The Redlands is the only stop in Southern-Queensland for the 19-metre canoe, the Hokule’a, on its four-year global voyage to promote the importance of sustainability.
Redland City Councillor Julie Talty joined with representatives of the Quandamooka People and the public at a special welcoming ceremony.
“Today was a chance for the Redlands to welcome the Hokule’a and its crew and show our support for their global journey which aims to grow a sustainable world that protects cultural and environmental resources for our children’s future.
“With this week being Reconciliation Week it was a fitting occasion for the Quandamooka and Polynesian cultures to come together to celebrate their customs and traditions.
“The crew was welcomed with traditional Quandamooka dance by the Yuli Burri Ba Dance Group, with the Hawaiian crew responding with a traditional greeting and chant.
“On behalf of Redland City I presented the crew with gifts including photos of the Redlands and in exchange they presented the city with beautiful traditional Polynesian gifts.”
Hokule’a Captain Bruce Blankenfeld said the Redlands was an obvious choice to stop as part of the four-year Malama Honua Worldwide Voyage because of the close connection the city has with its Traditional Owners.
“It was a natural fit to come to this community as humble visitors who would like to listen and learn about the Quandamooka People and how they view the lands.
“We seek out communities such as the Quandamooka People to learn; we come to learn and hear their stories and then share them with others as we go around the world.”
The Hokule’a crew will spend the week in the Redlands restocking supplies and resting before the next leg of their journey.
