Latest news with #DjawaYunupingu
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Politics
- Perth Now
Festival started from a broken promise looks to future
When two brothers stood on an escarpment in remote northeast Arnhem Land, they looked into the future, and the Garma Festival was born. Those brothers, M Yunupingu, the lead singer of Yothu Yindi, and Dr Yunupingu, a land rights pioneer, were standing on the Gumatj ceremonial grounds of Gulkula, where the annual festival is held. But the story of Garma starts well before its first festival in 1999, dating back to a different gathering and the words of a prime minister a decade before. Yothu Yindi Foundation chair and senior Gumatj man Djawa Yunupingu said when his brothers had come to stand at the escarpment at Gulkula, there was a pain in his family. Prime Minister Bob Hawke had travelled to Barunga Festival in 1988, promising a treaty would be made with Aboriginal people. That promise was never realised. "When we thought about Barunga we thought about promises of a treaty that had been washed down by the politics of the day," Mr Yunupingu said. "We thought about a prime minister who made a promise to powerful leaders and clans and tribes of the Northern Territory only to leave us high and dry." It is something the Yunupingu brothers never forgot, and as Djawa Yunupingu said, the words are "carved into our hearts and minds". Addressing the crowd at the 25th Garma Festival, Mr Yunupingu quoted the iconic Yothu Yindi song 'Treaty', which his brother penned while sitting around a campfire, bringing etching promise into the memories of wider Australia. "Well I heard it on the radio, and I saw it on the television, back in 1988 all those talking politicians," he said. "You all know the song and you should remember the words." Garma has become an important event in Australia's cultural and political landscape, with policy discussion and announcements sitting on the agenda next to talks about education, land rights and arts. One of the major policy announcements of the festival in recent times came in 2022, when Prime Minister Anthony Albanese promised to pursue a referendum on an Indigenous voice to parliament. Following the failed referendum Mr Yunupingu said he and Mr Albanese shared their disappointment, but knew they had to move on. "Even though we live with shattered dreams we must keep looking to the future," he said. But what does that future look like? Yothu Yindi Foundation chief executive Denise Bowden said to to improve outcomes for people in Arnhem Land and other remote regions of the country, structural change was required. Pointing to the over-representation of First Nations people in the justice system, particularly in the Northern Territory, and the disproportionate rates of rheumatic heart disease in remote Indigenous communities, Ms Bowden said the status quo was not good enough. "If we do not stem this tide of history, it will do its work and wash away the ancient knowledge and the ceremonies and traditions that keep the world in balance and give us hope." she said. "This is truly a terrible thought and would be the greatest of tragedies for all those concerned." Aboriginal people suffered because of the failures of systems imposed on them, Ms Bowden said, calling on the prime minister to work with communities to solve issues. Northern Territory independent politician Yingiya Mark Guyula said Aboriginal people had the answers, but their voices were not being heard. "We are fed up with being told we know what is best for you... I've heard this so many times in my time in the parliament," he said. Gumatj Corporation operations coordinator Michael Yunupingu used the analogy of a tree to outline a vision for the future of his people and Country. The roots of the tree were the vision, growing as the tree grows; the trunk was the plan, the branches were the areas of focus, and the leaves were the actions and outcomes, which grew as the tree came to fruition. The Gumatj vision was to lead the way in sustainable development, balancing culture, traditional knowledge and economic self-sufficiency for the region. "Our next generation of leaders must step up now and carry on the legacy into a world that is transitioning towards a new future, a new era," Mr Yunupingu said. Just as it was time for the next generation to take the reins, Mr Guyula said this work must also be informed by those who started the journey. "We need to honour our ancestors, our Yolngu lore and the original Garma ceremonies that happen all around Yolngu Country," he said. "This must exist in all our decisions today and it is the way we will move forward to genuine truth-telling and treaty."
West Australian
3 days ago
- Politics
- West Australian
Festival started from a broken promise looks to future
When two brothers stood on an escarpment in remote northeast Arnhem Land, they looked into the future, and the Garma Festival was born. Those brothers, M Yunupingu, the lead singer of Yothu Yindi, and Dr Yunupingu, a land rights pioneer, were standing on the Gumatj ceremonial grounds of Gulkula, where the annual festival is held. But the story of Garma starts well before its first festival in 1999, dating back to a different gathering and the words of a prime minister a decade before. Yothu Yindi Foundation chair and senior Gumatj man Djawa Yunupingu said when his brothers had come to stand at the escarpment at Gulkula, there was a pain in his family. Prime Minister Bob Hawke had travelled to Barunga Festival in 1988, promising a treaty would be made with Aboriginal people. That promise was never realised. "When we thought about Barunga we thought about promises of a treaty that had been washed down by the politics of the day," Mr Yunupingu said. "We thought about a prime minister who made a promise to powerful leaders and clans and tribes of the Northern Territory only to leave us high and dry." It is something the Yunupingu brothers never forgot, and as Djawa Yunupingu said, the words are "carved into our hearts and minds". Addressing the crowd at the 25th Garma Festival, Mr Yunupingu quoted the iconic Yothu Yindi song 'Treaty', which his brother penned while sitting around a campfire, bringing etching promise into the memories of wider Australia. "Well I heard it on the radio, and I saw it on the television, back in 1988 all those talking politicians," he said. "You all know the song and you should remember the words." Garma has become an important event in Australia's cultural and political landscape, with policy discussion and announcements sitting on the agenda next to talks about education, land rights and arts. One of the major policy announcements of the festival in recent times came in 2022, when Prime Minister Anthony Albanese promised to pursue a referendum on an Indigenous voice to parliament. Following the failed referendum Mr Yunupingu said he and Mr Albanese shared their disappointment, but knew they had to move on. "Even though we live with shattered dreams we must keep looking to the future," he said. But what does that future look like? Yothu Yindi Foundation chief executive Denise Bowden said to to improve outcomes for people in Arnhem Land and other remote regions of the country, structural change was required. Pointing to the over-representation of First Nations people in the justice system, particularly in the Northern Territory, and the disproportionate rates of rheumatic heart disease in remote Indigenous communities, Ms Bowden said the status quo was not good enough. "If we do not stem this tide of history, it will do its work and wash away the ancient knowledge and the ceremonies and traditions that keep the world in balance and give us hope." she said. "This is truly a terrible thought and would be the greatest of tragedies for all those concerned." Aboriginal people suffered because of the failures of systems imposed on them, Ms Bowden said, calling on the prime minister to work with communities to solve issues. Northern Territory independent politician Yingiya Mark Guyula said Aboriginal people had the answers, but their voices were not being heard. "We are fed up with being told we know what is best for you... I've heard this so many times in my time in the parliament," he said. Gumatj Corporation operations coordinator Michael Yunupingu used the analogy of a tree to outline a vision for the future of his people and Country. The roots of the tree were the vision, growing as the tree grows; the trunk was the plan, the branches were the areas of focus, and the leaves were the actions and outcomes, which grew as the tree came to fruition. The Gumatj vision was to lead the way in sustainable development, balancing culture, traditional knowledge and economic self-sufficiency for the region. "Our next generation of leaders must step up now and carry on the legacy into a world that is transitioning towards a new future, a new era," Mr Yunupingu said. Just as it was time for the next generation to take the reins, Mr Guyula said this work must also be informed by those who started the journey. "We need to honour our ancestors, our Yolngu lore and the original Garma ceremonies that happen all around Yolngu Country," he said. "This must exist in all our decisions today and it is the way we will move forward to genuine truth-telling and treaty."
Daily Mail
03-08-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Anthony Albanese commits an extra $176million for Indigenous Australians amid calls for a treaty
Anthony Albanese has unveiled a $176million funding package aimed at boosting economic opportunities for Indigenous Australians, announced during his address at the Garma Festival in northeast Arnhem Land. The funding forms part of a new economic partnership with the Coalition of Peaks and the First Nations Economic Empowerment Alliance. It includes $70million for Indigenous clean energy projects, $31million for a mobile TAFE program, and $75million for native title reform under the partnership. 'This builds on our commitment to the Closing the Gap Agreement, to its call for a new way of doing business and to the principle of shared decision-making,' he told the festival audience at Gulkula in the Northern Territory on Saturday. The approach will allow traditional owners to advocate for infrastructure, housing, and energy projects on their land and build equity beyond the land itself. Coalition of Peaks lead convener Pat Turner said the partnership was about putting Indigenous communities in control of their economic future. 'Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have been clear for decades that our community-controlled organisations are the best employers of our people, providing the foundation for our economic development,' she said. Addressing the crowd at Garma, Yolngu leader and chair of the Yothu Yindi Foundation Djawa Yunupingu said he wanted a real economy for his people. 'We intend to use our lands and waters for our own future and the future of our children, and the future of our nation,' he said. National Native Title Council chief executive Jamie Lowe said this funding showed the government was serious about supporting traditional owners. 'Investing in the native title sector is game-changing,' he said. 'This injection of capacity will mean more jobs, more opportunities for young people and stronger protection for our cultural heritage.' While some organisations met the prime minister's announcement with praise, Aunty Glendra Stubbs, the elder in residence at community legal centre Knowmore, expressed disappointment in the lack of any mention of truth-telling. The government backed away from its commitment to Makarrata in 2024, and though he acknowledged the work of the Victorian truth-telling inquiry Yoorrook, Mr Albanese made no mention of a national process in his address. Aunty Glendra said it hurt to see truth-telling missing from the conversation. 'Our people have been asking for this for generations,' she said. 'Without truth, the pain of colonisation remains open -generation after generation. 'We can't heal what we won't name.' Victorian senator Lidia Thorpe said it was time for Mr Albanese to recommit to federal truth-telling and treaty. 'Cash for the corporations and a few utes are crumbs on the table while so many of our people are dying in custody and governments continue to steal and jail our children at record rates,' she said. Garma is marking its 25th festival, and Mr Yunupingu acknowledged those who started it in 1999 - his brothers - and the festival's roots in promises of treaty, which were 'washed down' by governments of the past but never forgotten. Mr Yunupingu said he felt the disappointment again at the result of the Voice referendum in 2023. 'We talked about it last year, we shed a tear to that and now it's behind us,' he said, speaking about Mr Albanese's visit to Garma in 2024.
The Advertiser
02-08-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
PM says Indigenous partnership to unlock true potential
A "real economy" is needed in Arnhem Land, say Indigenous leaders addressing a major Australian cultural gathering. Yothu Yindi Foundation chair Djawa Yunupingu has told crowds at Garma Festival at Gulkula in northeast Arnhem Land his people plan on being part of the future. "Yolngu people are not suddenly going to stop and rest and think everything is OK," he said on Saturday. "We intend to use our lands and waters for our own future and the future of our children, and the future of our nation." His comments came as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese used his Garma address to unveil an economic partnership with the Coalition of Peaks. "Our government also wants to work with communities as economic decision-makers, to unlock the true potential of their land and their endeavour beyond passing transactions to lasting partnerships that create and share wealth," he said. The approach would allow traditional owners to advocate for infrastructure, housing and energy projects on their land and to build equity beyond the land itself. Mr Albanese also announced $70 million for Indigenous clean energy projects, $75 million for native title reforms and $31 million for a mobile TAFE program under the partnership. The prime minister said, "we have made a start but there is more to do". "We must end the stalemate that arises when native title organisations with little in the way of back-of-house, or legal and commercial expertise are expected to negotiate with multinational firms." Mr Albanese said the partnership builds on agreements made under Closing the Gap, saying it is a "new way of doing business". Closing the Gap has been a major topic of discussion at Garma, which has become a ground for political conversations and policy announcements while also focusing on culture and empowerment of the local Yolngu people. Data released on Thursday revealed just four of 19 targets are on track to be met, with another four goals going backwards - adult incarceration, children in out-of-home care, suicide rates and child development. Mr Albanese said Closing the Gap data underlined the fact that a different, dedicated approach was required to address these issues. "Reports and reviews have their place but they are not a substitute for outcomes, results," he said. "Creating a process matters but it is not the same thing as making progress." Mr Yunupingu closed his address by telling the prime minister he was open to doing business together. "My brothers and sisters are telling me now, we have serious business," he said. "They are reminding me that making hard decisions with serious people is what leadership is all about." 13YARN 13 92 76 Lifeline 13 11 14 A "real economy" is needed in Arnhem Land, say Indigenous leaders addressing a major Australian cultural gathering. Yothu Yindi Foundation chair Djawa Yunupingu has told crowds at Garma Festival at Gulkula in northeast Arnhem Land his people plan on being part of the future. "Yolngu people are not suddenly going to stop and rest and think everything is OK," he said on Saturday. "We intend to use our lands and waters for our own future and the future of our children, and the future of our nation." His comments came as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese used his Garma address to unveil an economic partnership with the Coalition of Peaks. "Our government also wants to work with communities as economic decision-makers, to unlock the true potential of their land and their endeavour beyond passing transactions to lasting partnerships that create and share wealth," he said. The approach would allow traditional owners to advocate for infrastructure, housing and energy projects on their land and to build equity beyond the land itself. Mr Albanese also announced $70 million for Indigenous clean energy projects, $75 million for native title reforms and $31 million for a mobile TAFE program under the partnership. The prime minister said, "we have made a start but there is more to do". "We must end the stalemate that arises when native title organisations with little in the way of back-of-house, or legal and commercial expertise are expected to negotiate with multinational firms." Mr Albanese said the partnership builds on agreements made under Closing the Gap, saying it is a "new way of doing business". Closing the Gap has been a major topic of discussion at Garma, which has become a ground for political conversations and policy announcements while also focusing on culture and empowerment of the local Yolngu people. Data released on Thursday revealed just four of 19 targets are on track to be met, with another four goals going backwards - adult incarceration, children in out-of-home care, suicide rates and child development. Mr Albanese said Closing the Gap data underlined the fact that a different, dedicated approach was required to address these issues. "Reports and reviews have their place but they are not a substitute for outcomes, results," he said. "Creating a process matters but it is not the same thing as making progress." Mr Yunupingu closed his address by telling the prime minister he was open to doing business together. "My brothers and sisters are telling me now, we have serious business," he said. "They are reminding me that making hard decisions with serious people is what leadership is all about." 13YARN 13 92 76 Lifeline 13 11 14 A "real economy" is needed in Arnhem Land, say Indigenous leaders addressing a major Australian cultural gathering. Yothu Yindi Foundation chair Djawa Yunupingu has told crowds at Garma Festival at Gulkula in northeast Arnhem Land his people plan on being part of the future. "Yolngu people are not suddenly going to stop and rest and think everything is OK," he said on Saturday. "We intend to use our lands and waters for our own future and the future of our children, and the future of our nation." His comments came as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese used his Garma address to unveil an economic partnership with the Coalition of Peaks. "Our government also wants to work with communities as economic decision-makers, to unlock the true potential of their land and their endeavour beyond passing transactions to lasting partnerships that create and share wealth," he said. The approach would allow traditional owners to advocate for infrastructure, housing and energy projects on their land and to build equity beyond the land itself. Mr Albanese also announced $70 million for Indigenous clean energy projects, $75 million for native title reforms and $31 million for a mobile TAFE program under the partnership. The prime minister said, "we have made a start but there is more to do". "We must end the stalemate that arises when native title organisations with little in the way of back-of-house, or legal and commercial expertise are expected to negotiate with multinational firms." Mr Albanese said the partnership builds on agreements made under Closing the Gap, saying it is a "new way of doing business". Closing the Gap has been a major topic of discussion at Garma, which has become a ground for political conversations and policy announcements while also focusing on culture and empowerment of the local Yolngu people. Data released on Thursday revealed just four of 19 targets are on track to be met, with another four goals going backwards - adult incarceration, children in out-of-home care, suicide rates and child development. Mr Albanese said Closing the Gap data underlined the fact that a different, dedicated approach was required to address these issues. "Reports and reviews have their place but they are not a substitute for outcomes, results," he said. "Creating a process matters but it is not the same thing as making progress." Mr Yunupingu closed his address by telling the prime minister he was open to doing business together. "My brothers and sisters are telling me now, we have serious business," he said. "They are reminding me that making hard decisions with serious people is what leadership is all about." 13YARN 13 92 76 Lifeline 13 11 14 A "real economy" is needed in Arnhem Land, say Indigenous leaders addressing a major Australian cultural gathering. Yothu Yindi Foundation chair Djawa Yunupingu has told crowds at Garma Festival at Gulkula in northeast Arnhem Land his people plan on being part of the future. "Yolngu people are not suddenly going to stop and rest and think everything is OK," he said on Saturday. "We intend to use our lands and waters for our own future and the future of our children, and the future of our nation." His comments came as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese used his Garma address to unveil an economic partnership with the Coalition of Peaks. "Our government also wants to work with communities as economic decision-makers, to unlock the true potential of their land and their endeavour beyond passing transactions to lasting partnerships that create and share wealth," he said. The approach would allow traditional owners to advocate for infrastructure, housing and energy projects on their land and to build equity beyond the land itself. Mr Albanese also announced $70 million for Indigenous clean energy projects, $75 million for native title reforms and $31 million for a mobile TAFE program under the partnership. The prime minister said, "we have made a start but there is more to do". "We must end the stalemate that arises when native title organisations with little in the way of back-of-house, or legal and commercial expertise are expected to negotiate with multinational firms." Mr Albanese said the partnership builds on agreements made under Closing the Gap, saying it is a "new way of doing business". Closing the Gap has been a major topic of discussion at Garma, which has become a ground for political conversations and policy announcements while also focusing on culture and empowerment of the local Yolngu people. Data released on Thursday revealed just four of 19 targets are on track to be met, with another four goals going backwards - adult incarceration, children in out-of-home care, suicide rates and child development. Mr Albanese said Closing the Gap data underlined the fact that a different, dedicated approach was required to address these issues. "Reports and reviews have their place but they are not a substitute for outcomes, results," he said. "Creating a process matters but it is not the same thing as making progress." Mr Yunupingu closed his address by telling the prime minister he was open to doing business together. "My brothers and sisters are telling me now, we have serious business," he said. "They are reminding me that making hard decisions with serious people is what leadership is all about." 13YARN 13 92 76 Lifeline 13 11 14
SBS Australia
31-07-2025
- Politics
- SBS Australia
What is Garma? And why is it important?
"So it's a great honour to welcome you all here today..' Around 2,000 people each year descend on Gulkula, a sacred place perched on top of an escarpment on the lands of the Gumatj clan in the Northern Territory. They are here for the Garma festival, the largest cultural exchange on the First Nations calendar. The 2025 theme is 'Rom ga Waŋa Wataŋu, or 'The Law of the Land, Standing Firm' in one of the local Aboriginal languages, Yolŋu Matha. The word 'Garma' means "two-way learning process" - and it's an invitation for non-Indigenous leaders to meet with and listen to First Nations voices on issues affecting them. Visitors are given a traditional welcome before guests are invited to the Bunggul ceremonial grounds, for the ritual opening ceremony. It's the start of a four-day festival with a packed schedule of agenda-setting political discussions and cultural celebrations. The annual event was conceived by the Yothu Yindi Foundation with the aim of improving standards of living for all First Nations people, as the late Djawa Yunupingu explained at the 22nd Garma festival: "As I have said many times, all of our countrymen are linked together by our songlines. These songlines join us all and though so much has been taken, so much power remains in all of us. We can feel what has been taken from our countrymen, we can feel your pain and we stand together with you to find that pathway to unity." Politicians, academics, and community figures highlight the major issues of the year at the Garrtjambal Auditorium - a key location at Garma. Politicians from all sides are invited. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says he sees Garma as a cornerstone for First Nations politics, and a space where politicians, academics and community leaders highlight and discuss key issues. "We will not abandon substance for symbolism or retreat to platitudes at the expense of progress." But it's not just a place for leaders. As the sun sets each night, there's an eruption of movement on the sands of the sacred Bunggul site, a ceremonial close to the day's proceedings. The sounds of the Bilma or clapsticks echo through the leaves of the surrounding stringy bark forest. Music, dancing, and yarning continues throughout the night, as many make the most of the magic of the festival. Deeper in the bush among the stringy-bark trees hangs the Gapan Gallery, an outpost of the Yirrkala art centre print studio. Yothu Yindi Foundation CEO, Denise Bowden, says Garma is an invitation for ordinary people to experience a cultural exchange like no other. "Music and dance and art, song, a love of learning of a different culture. It's a really healthy platform upon which we can get through some challenging discussions." Guests experience a rich cultural immersion. From weaving workshops to wood carving, traditional art, music and dance is the heartbeat of the four day festivities. Denise Bowden says Garma has become an important part of Australian life. "I would never have thought it to grow to such an extent that it has now and we are very fortunate to be able to now take four days to share with the nation how important Garma has become."
