Bluey is getting a new voice for Naidoc Week.
Five episodes from seasons one and two have been dubbed into Yolŋu Matha, the Australian First Nations language of North-east Arnhem Land, as part of an initiative for National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee Week.
The episodes, due to be broadcast and streamed for the first time on Sunday 5 July, are The Beach, The Creek, Sleepytime, Grandad and Rug Island.
They have been re-voiced by Dimathaya Burrawanga from the band King Stingray as Bandit, Yolŋu educator and translator Rosie Mununggurr as Chilli, and Andrew Gurruwiwi as the granddad.
The children voicing Bluey and Bingo have not been named to protect their privacy. They are local children from North-east Arnhem Land.
The project was developed with Yolŋu Radio and the Aboriginal Resource and Development Services, in collaboration with Bluey creators Ludo Studio and the ABC.
Kelly Williams, the ABC’s director of First Nations strategy, said the Indigenous language episodes will “bring the North-east Arnhem Land language and culture into homes across the country”.
“To hear these stories told in Yolŋu Matha, languages spoken on this continent for thousands of generations, is incredibly special,” said Julia Wormer and Sylvia Nulpinditj, co-chief executive officers at ARDS.
“We hope this project contributes to a future where First Nations languages are increasingly heard, celebrated and recognised as a vital part of Australia’s story.”
Bluey has been streamed into millions of homes since the show launched in 2018. It is available in more than 140 countries, and the animated series has topped the US streaming charts for the past two years.
Naidoc Week runs from 5 to 12 July. Its theme is 50 Years of Deadly, honouring the strength, leadership and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.
The Indigenous language episodes of Bluey will also be screened at this year’s Garma festival in August.
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