Northern Territory Garma cultural festival offers political forum for leaders
Annual Indigenous festival, Garma Festival, where Yolngu and Western culture meet, will mark its 24th anniversary when it returns to the Gulkula ceremonial site in North-East Arnhem Land Friday 2nd August to Monday 5th August.
The festival brings together clan leaders from across Arnhem Land to share traditional Yolngu culture, ideas and policy discussions with visitors, including government leaders. This year’s theme is Gurtha-Wuma Worrk-gu – Fire. Strength. Renewal.
The sold-out four-day festival, which is supported by Northern Territory Government through Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC), includes the daily Bunggul (traditional ceremonial dance) at sunset, the open-air Gapan art gallery and the Key Forum. The music program will feature King Stingray, Dhapanbal Yunupingu, Yirrmal, Larry Gurruwiwi & the Birrtjimi Choir, Ngaiire, Mulga Bore Hard Rock, and the Andrew Gurruwiwi Band.
The Youth Forum returns to explore leadership and critical thinking and inspiring youth to look towards the future in the wake of the Indigenous Voice to Parliament, along with hands-on cultural workshops.
The Key Forum is the think-tank component of the festival, where policy experts and community leaders discuss and debate issues impacting Yolngu and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
NTMEC Chief Executive Suzana Bishop notes “Garma Festival is the most significant Indigenous cultural festival in Australia. It’s a celebration of Yolngu life and culture and an important political forum for leaders to listen, learn, share ideas and create a path forward.”
Garma Festival Director Joel Ulbricht adds “the excitement is really building here in the local community as we put the final finishing touches on the site. As they do every year, our Yolngu hosts are waiting with open arms to greet our Garma guests.”
More than 3000 people are expected to attend the festival. To find out more visit yyf.com.au/garma-festival/
Image. Credit: Garma Festival
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