Migrants from Bhutan turn to archery to maintain mental wellbeing and find community in Australia

Hidden behind gum trees on an otherwise abandoned looking bush block in Perth’s south-east, dozens of Bhutanese archers in bright robes sling arrows across dry grass. 

The target is 140 metres away and only about 30 centimetres in diameter — nearly double the distance and roughly a quarter of the size used in the Olympics. 

For each successful strike, competitors get a scarf added to their belt, with more decorated archers subject to sledging.

Bhutanese women dance on the sidelines.  (ABC News: Bridget McArthur)

Meanwhile, women dance on the sidelines in a bid to inspire or distract competitors depending on who they support.

A bullseye is met with jubilant shrieks as the men start to sing and dance the ‘Dachham’ — a show of respect for a good shot. 

More than 300 expats play competitively in Perth but today is just a friendly to celebrate western Bhutan’s New Year.

Bhutanese archers perform the Dachham.  (ABC News: Bridget McArthur)

According to Kinley Namgay, 33, the sport has provided a lifeline for migrants from the small Himalayan nation, situated between India and China, best known for its reputation as the world’s happiest country.

“A few find it quite difficult to transition,” the engineering student said. 

“We’ve had a few cases of suicides or mental breakdowns or many other mental related illness.

“We are under a lot of working pressure and there are many stresses and mental challenges … [Archery] is the one thing that keeps me mentally calm.”

Perth’s Bhutanese population has embraced archery to maintain mental wellbeing. (ABC News: Bridget McArthur)

Finding community 

In the last decade, Australia has become home to Bhutan’s largest community abroad, and Perth the destination of choice. 

Most come seeking study and work opportunities not available to them back home. 

Kinley said many experience “culture shock” when they first arrive. 

Tobgay (front left) with 72-year-old archer Bokhu visiting from Bhutan.  (ABC News: Bridget McArthur)

“Here in Australia or other western countries you prefer an independent life,” he said. 

“You prefer to live away from your parents, you prefer to live away from your siblings … you don’t really rely on others after you turn 18.

“In our culture, we are really blended together, we spend a lot of time together.”

While many Bhutanese migrants ultimately choose to stay — a trend which has posed a significant challenge for the small landlocked nation in the form of ‘brain drain’ — others look forward to returning.

Bhutan is known for its natural beauty and happiness index. (ABC News: Som Patidar)

Tobgay, who moved to Perth three years ago for his wife’s study, is one of them. 

“I really miss the social interactions,” he says.

“Back home we are much [more] relaxed and we are earning less but … people have time for each other.

“Here, people are busy … and timings are so strict … even when we meet our cousins [or] friends over here, we have to first inform and make an appointment with them.”

Archery has fostered a sense of community for Bhutanese migrants.  (ABC News: Bridget McArthur)

The disability support worker says archery gives him a reason to catch up with friends informally, meet other people and support new migrants. 

“That’s how we actually try to keep ourselves happy,” he said.

“Happiness isn’t just a theory … small things that we do with each other, having time for each other, taking care of each other’s mental health — this is what I feel happiness is.”

Cultural contribution

Archery originated in Bhutan as a means of survival in the highlands of the mountainous region — used during war and on hunts — and holds spiritual symbolism in the Buddhist nation.

It has been described by the Association of Bhutanese in Perth as “more than just a sport for Bhutanese people. It is a living symbol of our identity, values, and community spirit”.

Some Bhutanese migrants say archery has been a lifeline for them. (ABC News: Bridget McArthur)

With so many Bhutanese people living overseas, Chimi Dorji — former general secretary of Druk Archers and community leader — said it now played an important role in ensuring the culture lived on. 

“Our identity is very important. So to maintain our identity these type of cultural activities are paramount in everybody’s life,” he said.

Chimi said it also helped to maintain a pathway between Bhutan and Australia. Political and spiritual leaders often attend and even participate in events — like Australia’s first-ever traditional Bhutanese archery competition, played in WA between Perth and Canberra using bamboo bows.

Archery has also encouraged visitation to Bhutan, where there is a growing tourism economy centred around the sport. 

The scoreboard for the friendly match in Perth’s south-east. (ABC News: Bridget McArthur)

Still, Tobgay says it’s been difficult for Bhutanese migrants to become involved in the broader WA archery scene, with Australian sports more intensely focused on competition over culture. 

He says Bhutan’s traditional form of archery is viewed as unorthodox — but he’s hopeful as the sport gains momentum within the migrant community, respect and understanding will grow.

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