Barunga Festival marks 35th anniversary of landmark Barunga Statement

This weekend’s Northern Territory Barunga Festival - which celebrates Indigenous community life through music, sport and culture - will mark the 35th anniversary of the landmark Barunga Statement, which called on the Commonwealth Government to recognise the rights of Aboriginal people.

NT Chief Minister Natasha Fyles notes “Barunga Festival showcases the world’s oldest living culture through song, dance, art and sport, providing an opportunity for everyone to come together and learn from each other.

“The festival also provides an opportunity to boost tourism and support businesses in the Big Rivers region, as visitors look to experience everything the area has to offer.

“This year’s Barunga Festival is even more special as it marks an important anniversary of the Barunga Statement at a pivotal time in our country’s history, ahead of the Voice referendum later this year.”

Held annually since 1985, this year’s festival is expected to attract around 4000 people to the 400-strong Barunga community, south-west of Katherine, from 9th-12th June 2023.

Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in Aboriginal culture through performances and workshops including spear making, bush medicine and weaving. On Saturday afternoon there will be a welcome to country and Bungul to officially open the festival.

Barunga Festival 2023 is run by Bagala Aboriginal Corporation and supported by Northern Territory Government through Northern Territory Major Events Company. 

Barunga Festival event co-ordinator Anya Lorimer adds “2023 is the 35th anniversary of the Barunga Statement, and this year’s festival has attracted national media. We are already getting calls about dates for next year from interstate visitors.

"Traditional Owners, Roper Gulf Regional Council and other stakeholders all want to grow this event and maintain the highest of cultural integrity for years to come.”

Barunga Festival 2023 is run by Bagala Aboriginal Corporation and supported by Northern Territory Government through Northern Territory Major Events Company. 

Tickets to the Barunga Festival are on sale at www.barungafestival.com.au