By Dr Ngaree Blow
This year I had the privilege to attend the Garma Festival on Yolngu Country in Gulkula, East Arnhem NT with the Australian Indigenous Doctors Association (AIDA). The theme this year was Gurtha-Wuma Worrk-gu meaning Fire, Strength and Renewal in Yolngu matha (language).
There was a strong representation of this throughout the four days of the festival from the panel discussions, keynote speeches, cultural dances on the bungul grounds, the artwork showcased at Gapan gallery, the music performances, the stories of the land through the bush ranger walks and astronomy talks and finally through the powerful statement from the youth forum. The staunch legacy of advocacy from Yolngu mob through the Yothu Yindi Foundation was felt deeply and there was a strong sentiment of moving forward post referendum.
‘Passion and strength‘
One of the biggest learnings I’ve taken from this year’s Garma festival is in line with Gurtha-Wuma Worrk-gu. Witnessing the passion and strength from all the conversations and activities, it is very clear that there is determination for regeneration of the efforts last year and over the years since the first activism began.
Renewal was demonstrated by the ongoing advocacy for land rights, education and health rights, justice, self-determination, embedding Indigenous ways of knowing and being into systems and recognition of sovereignty. There are still some people and organisations that attend Garma only for their “cultural experience”, however this was very much in the minority.
‘First Nations platform’
Those that were highlighted on the stages, on the bungul grounds and in conversations were true leaders in activism, which has led to things like the announcement of building the Garma institute which will sit on Yolngu Country, be led by First Nations and provide tertiary education and qualifications in the content of Yolngu culture.
In the same week we also heard of the opening of the Munarra centre on Yorta Yorta country in Shepparton as the first Indigenous-led education centre. Overall, I learnt that Garma provides a platform to bring First Nations together on National conversations, celebrate the rich beauty of culture and have truth telling and the tough conversations needed with politicians and government.
Events like Garma show us that it is important to create spaces to take time out to celebrate, share, learn and advocate to continue the rich legacy of our ancestors and the unique beauty of our Countries across the First Nations.
