Luther Core Born: 1978
Aboriginal Tribe: UKERABAH / People of Goanna
Aboriginal Name: Ballum (Black Cockatoo)
Nation: BundjalungLuther Core, a traditional dancer, performer, educator and leader of the Yugambeh language group, from the East Coast of Australia.
Luther Core lives in Tweed Heads, NSW. He was influenced by his mother who is aboriginal and Islander Descent. His great grandfather who was full blooded aboriginal and he was from North Queensland. His grandmother is also full blooded Islander from Lena Island in the South Sea.
Luther’s face paint symbolises his totem, “Bullum”, meaning Red Tailed Black Cockatoo – given to him by Yugambeh elders.
As a child, Luther travelled from the Gold Coast to North Queensland and Canberra to learn his ancestor’s traditional stories and dance before returning home to perform with his brothers. Now a father, Luther and his children perform together, each embodying past generations through wearing traditional garments and, painted with ochre, representing their individual animal totems. Luther’s love of the performing arts and Indigenous culture inspires his teaching and strengthens his desire to promote awareness about his cultural heritage. In addition to his performing life, Luther expresses his passion for country, family and culture through painting and photography.