ABOUT
With years of experience in a dynamic, demanding market, Wiradjuri Echoes have established a well respected presence within the Canberra and Regions community and Duncan has even been commissioned to travel to Mauritius to share culture. Through their undisputed passion for indigenous culture and respect for making a change, they have undoubtedly made a difference to many indigenous and non indigenous people.
They have performed for many government departments, schools and community events as well as performing for the opening of the national folk festival events every year, multicultural festival and welcoming the Chinese president, Indian Prime Minister,Princess Kate and Prince William, Princess Mary and Prince Fredrik, Prime Ministers of Australia, John Howard, Malcolm Turnbull, Julia Gillard and Kevin Rudd. They have also participated in a live stream to Buckingham Palace.
Duncan Smith
Founder, Manager
Duncan Smith established Wiradjuri Echoes in 1998, since then the Wiradjuri Echoes have worked hard towards reconciliation and equality. Duncan won the 2003 NAIDOC artist of the year award, Dare to Lead Education Award 2009, Friends of Education Award 2011, Ngunnawal Centre University of Canberra Award 2007, Senior Citizen Centre Award for sharing culture 2016 and the 2016 Order of Australia Medal. Duncan is an Ambassador for CANTEEN for kids and has been working alongside this organisation for over 10 years. through art, dance and music, Duncan has been instrumental in being a role model to the indigenous community, striving for equality and helping indigenous children identify with their culture and teaching the importance of education and respect for the community.
Nakiya Smith
Dancer, Artist and Mentor
Nakiya has been performing and painting since the establishment of the Wiradjuri Echoes. Nakiya is striving to be a police officer and through her culture has developed the avenuesand confidence to achieve this. Nakiya won the 2014 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scholarship Award, was commended for the 2016 Canberra Youth Citizen award and 2012 youth, arts and multimedia award alongside her brothers and sisters.
Bevan Smith
Didjeridoo Player
Bevan is a professional Didjeridoo player, dancer and artist. Through his ability to mentor and be a role model to young kids Bevan has achieved success in mentoring and working with young kids to better their outcomes in education through culture and art. Bevan won the 2008 NAIDOC didjeridoo competition for youths and came Second to Duncan in the same year, he was commended for the Canberra youth citizen of the year award in 2016 for his work amongst the Canberra community and has mentored young kids in Barnardos Care. He won the Youth, arts and multimedia award 2012 alongside his brothers and sisters.
Jakida Smith
Dancer, Mentor
Jakida is an exceptional, results-driven leader who loves to work with young children sharing culture, art and leading the steps into creating a better future for all Australians. Jakida is in her last year of college and has worked with AIME, Banagra theatre and Barnados care.
Dylan Smith
Dancer, Mentor, Artist
Dylan has been performing with the Wiradjuri Echoes since 1998. He has been a driven team member and has worked closely with the community to enhance his knowledge of indigenous issues and has also mentored kids in Barndos care as well as hold exhibitions alongside Duncan to showcase inidgenous artwork.
2017, Created by Teaka Smith