Cape York leaders hold out hope Laura Quinkan Dance Festival can still go ahead despite shock cancellation

A treasured celebration of First Nations cultures held in Cape York is under threat again with organisers cancelling this year’s event, shocking community leaders and dance troupes.

Dancers from Yarrabah at the Laura Quinkan Dance Festival in 2023. PIcture: Bronwyn Farr

A treasured celebration of First Nations cultures held in Cape York is under threat again with organisers cancelling this year’s event, shocking community leaders and dance troupes.

But hope remains that the Laura Quinkan Dance Festival will still go ahead with Member for Cook David Kempton declaring the state government is still willing to back the major competition.

Organisers of the bi-annual festival, Ang-Gnarra Aboriginal Corporation, confirmed earlier this month that the event, which attracts thousands of spectators to the Laura Basin located around 300km north of Cairns, had been abandoned.

The renowned festival is considered a powerful celebration of First Nations cultures, attracting visitors from across the globe. Picture: Bronwyn Farr

But Mr Kempton said he hoped performers could still enter the traditional bora ring on ancient Quinkan country later this year with former Ang-Gnarra CEO August Stevens having recently resigned.

“I’ve heard that there are some internal governance issues but there’s been no approach to me, the Arts Minister, nor the state government at this stage,” the Far North MP said.

“This is an iconic event that’s been a part of Cape York for as long as I can remember. It’s pretty distressing to hear that it’s not going ahead this year.

“I’ll find out what the immediate problem is. If it can’t be resolved we’ll be looking at what can be done to get back on track as soon as possible.”

Quinkan dancers Leelan Snider, Walter Snider, Nash Snider and Joe Snider opened the 2023 festival. Picture: Brendan Radke

Nash Snider, whose family has been involved with the festival since the 80s and had previously opened the event with a traditional dance, said he was upset to learn the festival wouldn’t be held this year.

“It was a shock for (our) family,” the proud Kuku Yalanji man said.

“We are disappointed, especially as we weren’t consulted or advised. Many families and clans across the Cape feel the same way.

“It’s what brings families together and allows us to pass on traditions to the next generation.

“I’m a Kuku Yalanji man, my lineage is through my father’s line. It’s a deep connection, we have a deep connection to the area despite being forcibly removed.

“We’ve had no direct involvement with Ang-Gnarra. We would love to be more involved and help see it continue.”

A Lockhart River dancer performs at the Laura Quinkan Indigenous Dance Festival in 2023. Picture: Bronwyn Farr

The event had been a significant cultural, social and economic driver for the community, Cook Shire Mayor Robyn Holmes said.

“Hearing that the Laura Dance Festival has been cancelled is a little bit surprising,” Ms Holmes said.

“The event adds value to cultural experiences through history and storytelling through dance acts.

“The Laura Dance Festival enhances tourism through prime Indigenous experiences and shared cultures. It adds value to the Cape York economy.

“It is not a Cook Shire event although the council has supported the festival in the past. It’s disappointing it’s been cancelled and I’d like to see the Laura Dance Festival return sometime in the future.”

Arts Queensland has provided organisers $70,000 in funding for the festival since 2011.

That figure was set to increase by 10 per cent this year.

Representatives from Ang-Gnarra couldn’t be reached prior to deadline.

Originally published as Cape York leaders hold out hope Laura Quinkan Dance Festival can still go ahead despite shock cancellation