Mum, dad and nine children travel NSW performing traditional indigenous songs as way to embrace culture

GROWING up Jimi Hand heard stories of how his grandmother was forced to hide her Aboriginality. In her memory, he has formed a family group to perform indigenous songs during NAIDOC week.

Yallahmundee Mallingan group will perform in Bankstown as part of NAIDOC week.

• 'There are always people who need help'
• Hope fading for Islamic school's survival

GROWING up Jimi Hand heard stories about how his grandmother was forced to hide her Aboriginality.

“My grandmother married a white man and her used to force her to tell people she was Maori,” Mr Hand, 52, said.

“Still today I don’t know if he was just being mean or was trying to protect the family from discrimination.”

Mr Hand still gets emotional talking about it, but it is that family history that has spurred him to embrace his culture.

With his wife Tracy and nine children, the Hand family started Yallahmundee Mallingan — which means “storyteller family mob” in Dharrug.

Jimi Hand performs with his family group Yallahmundee Mallingan.

For the past six years Yallahmundee Mallingan has travelled across NSW performing traditional songs and dance from the Dharrug clan of western Sydney.

“It’s unique in a way, not many families do what we do,” Mr Hand said.

“But for us it gives us an opportunity to embrace and celebrate our Aboriginality. I’m hoping deep down it will encourage others.”

Yallahmundee Mallingan will perform at Canterbury-Bankstown’s NAIDOC kids day at Anzac Park, Campsie celebrations on July 5, which starts at 11.30am.

NAIDOC Week runs from July 2 to 7 but activities start early at Canterbury Bankstown Arts Centre on June 29 with a free Aboriginal film screening, including Green Bush and Dancing with the Prime Minister.

On July 1 there will be a NAIDOC family day at Bankstown Library from 11am.

Activities end on July 7 with a movie night at Belmore Sports Ground from 6pm.

Details: cbcity.nsw.gov.au/events/celebrating-naidoc-week