The Yagan Amphitheatre stage was set for something far greater than just a performance—it was an expression of unity between cultures separated by oceans but bound by a shared history and spirit.

The event, First Nation Fusion, was brought together Native Pride Productions, led by founder Larry Yazzie, a two-time World Champion Fancy Dancer from the Meskwaki Settlement in Iowa. Joining him were Hunter Blassingame, of Tsitsistas and Scottish descent, and Logan Booth from the Seneca Nation.

Representing the Noongar side was curator, filmmaker, and Noongar woman Karla Hart, along with local dance groups Kwarbah Djookian and Midn Marr Dreaming. Together, they shared songs, stories, and dances, forging a powerful connection between cultures.

"From what we've learned, us as Indigenous people are more alike than we are different," said Mr Blassigame.

"Even though we're on opposite ends of the world, our practices through ceremony and traditional ways of life are very similar. And that's a beautiful thing."

The performances opened with a smoking ceremony, led by local Elders, to cleanse the space and create good energy for what was to come. Both cultures deeply honour their lands and traditions, believing that places carry spiritual energy and that rituals help bring people into harmony with the environment.

Each dance carried deep significance. Whadjuk Noongar man and Midn Marr Dreaming dancer Derrick Nannup said the dancers moved with the grace of their ancestral animals, telling stories of the emu and kangaroo.

"Our old people taught us that we must treat our animals like brothers and sisters," he said.

"We honour them because they give to us, and through dance, we acknowledge what they mean to our lives."

Native Pride's dancers brought their own stories through movement, including the intricate Smoke Dance from the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, which Ms Booth specialises in and competes with at powwows across North America.

"The smoke dance started as a war dance," she said.

"When our warriors danced, you could see the dust rise, like smoke. It was a symbol of strength.

"Over time, our women began to perform it too, transforming it into a dance that now celebrates grace and peace."

The exchange wasn't just about performing for an audience; for Ms Hart it was about sharing cultures, building connections, and creating space for healing.

"Sometimes all you need is to dive in the ocean or walk on country. It's the land that heals you," Ms Booth said.

Likewise, the Native Pride performers described their dances as a form of prayer.

"When I strike the drum and sing these songs," said Mr Blassigame

"I think of my family at home and all of you here. These songs carry blessings, and I hope you feel that energy."

The performances culminated in a celebratory social dance, where everyone—dancers, visitors, and audience members—joined together. It was more than just a dance; it was a powerful act of unity.

"We are one race, the human race," said Mr Nannup.

"We come from different places, but we are connected—just like the water that flows between us."

As the day came to a close, it was clear that this was more than a cultural exchange. It was a celebration of survival, resilience, and the power of storytelling through movement. The collaboration between Native Pride Productions and Noongar performers was a reminder of the enduring strength of Indigenous peoples everywhere.

"I come to you in a humble way," Mr Yazzie said.

"We bring our stories through song and dance to share with you. These dances don't belong to us alone—they belong to everyone who carries their ancestors with them."

In this celebration of connection, the boundaries of land and sea blurred, leaving behind only the joy of shared tradition—and the promise of future collaborations yet to come.

The Native Pride Production are on their Australian tour and will be heading to Sydney and Melbourne next.