Heritage parade proposed for Sibu's Gawai celebrations
Doris hitting the gong to officiate the Sibu Pre-Gawai Ceremony.
AN Iban traditional cultural programme called 'Niti Daun' has been proposed for future Gawai Dayak celebrations in Sibu, Sarawak.
The cultural parade aims to showcase the richness of Dayak heritage while fostering harmony among the various ethnic groups in Sibu.
Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS) Sibu and Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) Sibu have expressed their intentions to organise the programme.
SIDS Sibu chairman Angelyn Uchi Maseng said the initiative was a significant effort to introduce the uniqueness of Dayak culture to the public.
'Many other areas have successfully implemented similar programmes.
'We believe Sibu is equally capable of making 'Niti Daun' an annual event that is eagerly anticipated,' she said at the Sibu pre-Gawai ceremony.
The event, organised by Sibu Dayak Gawai Committee in collaboration with SDNU Sibu, SIDS Sibu, Orang Ulu National Association (Ouna) Sibu and Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) Sibu, was attended by about 1,500 guests.
Uchi said SIDS Sibu and SDNU Sibu were prepared to be main organisers of the 'Niti Daun' programme, but financial support was needed.
'We hope that elected representatives and relevant agencies will support us with the necessary funding to make this a reality,' she said.
She also expressed appreciation for the community's continued support in preserving Dayak culture through participation in traditional activities such as the Bertaboh, Ngajat and Manduk Tuak competitions organised by the committee.
Sri Aman MP Datuk Seri Doris Sophia Brodie, who served as the Tuai Pengabang (guest of honour), said the Gawai celebration was a symbol of gratitude for the results of hard work throughout the year in farming, especially padi planting.
'Gawai teaches us to appreciate the blessings of the fruits that are bestowed.
'This is also in line with the value of unity. When we work together, we reap success together,' she said.
She added that the Dayak pre-Gawai ceremony was important in strengthening relationships between communities.
Also present were Ngemah assemblyman Anyi Jana, political secretaries to the Sarawak Premier Susan Clement Ingun and William Anut, SIDS president Datuk Alice Jawan and Iban community leader Temenggong Stanley Gramong.
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