Local Indigenous performer and educator, Rhys Waite, recently travelled to Bergamo for the Lo Spirito Del Pianeta (The Spirit of the Planet) Festival.
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Held in Northern Italy, the Festival of Indigenous people was created to give an account of Indigenous people from around the world who live daily through their culture and share it with others.
Rhys Waite said being able to celebrate Indigenous cultures from around the world is a special experience.
“It’s unbelievable and overwhelming to represent Australian Indigenous culture,” Mr Waite said.
A performer from each country was selected to meet Pope Francis, and being the only Australian involved in the festival this year, Mr Waite had the prestigious honour.
“It was very different, but was definitely one of the pinnacle points in my life and was a milestone moment. He is a big supporter of the festival.”
Mr Waite has been playing the didgeridoo as a performer for 30 years and has also taught Indigenous culture to school students throughout NSW and the Macleay Valley.
“It’s good to come back to the roots of Indigenous culture and give the kids identity and purpose,” Mr Waite said.
Mr Waite is planning to bring back the programs designed for school students next week, starting at Melville High School.
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