Garma 2024 Renewal
Connection-Community-2 Way Learning-Love
“The lore of the land remains. Our lore is not dismissed by a single event. Yolngu people are not dismissed by one single event. The land is timeless and powerful. It remains and we remain.
We will renew ourselves not tomorrow but today. Look up to the future. These are not play words. This is what we believe and we choose to look forward, not back.
What has been done, despite the pain caused to us, we sought a pathway to unity and we will seek it. There is renewal after the fire and that goodness rises in the country after the fire has burned through the land. The rain will cleanse the country after the fire. Soothing the pain of our struggles and signalling a time of renewal. We will rise and rise again.”-Djawa Yunupingu-Garma 2024
Djawa Yunupingu is a senior member of the Gumatj clan in north-east Arnhem Land. Djawa sits on the Gumatj Board as well as the Yothu Yindi Foundation Board.
Watch his full welcome below….
The red dirt is in everything from my hat to my toes. It only takes a short moment on this land for you to become part of it or it to become part of you. We are all gathered on this ceremonial land for many reasons. Scratch the surface of most souls and you will find sorrow, anger, and disappointment that remains from the 2023 failed referendum.
There was a bit of mourning to flow through our veins but these days spent in East Arnhem Land were to live and embody the theme of Garma 2024.
We needed Gurtha-Wuma Worrk-gu, meaning fire, strength, and renewal, to fill our being. This theme was discussed over yarns at the fire, around the outdoor communal dining area, and in the workshops and keynote talks.
The Youth Forum displayed an amalgam of cross-cultural learning and sharing, each evening the dancing and song at Bungul opened our hearts and the presentation of music each night blasted fire into evey fibre of all attendees. The Yolngu culture and individuals who made their way here created a community you could carry away. Not in your rucksack, but in your heart.
Everyday and every moment was a highlight so I am not going to create a list. Synchronicty plays a big part in the magic and yarns I had with the Koori Radio Crew, archictect and Gamilaraay man Beau De Belle, and new found friends and contacts grew from the fire and dirt. Being on country, on the land, with none of our regular distractions caused life to flow.
Praise goes out to the many volunteers who smoothed over problems and offered a helping hand and a big smile whenever it was needed. The entire crew of the Garma Festival oozed bonhomie and soul. Kudos goes out to all and I tip my straw hat, mind the red dirt falling out of the brim, in thanks.
My visit to Garma came on the back of a long running conversation and friendship wiht my mate Tizza. We never got there together but from the moment I landed in Nhulunbuy he was nearby. Sharing hugs with some of the Yolngu and balanda folks alike who knew him brought me to tears and laughter. Our cockatoo Indigenous art will forever be a reminder of that friendship, that man and this beautiful journey to Garma.
Renewal was happening on many levels.
Living in these times and being amongst love, community and culture and country gives you proper focus again. You can bring the red dirt back as a reminder but the most important thing is to hold onto and nourish the connections and energy that you found. Yes, we all had to return to whatever system and life we live within but we all have deep stories etched into our soul forever.
That is Garma.
“Put a shine into the eyes of the traditional owners and the future generations so we can use the land as we see fit. We want to be in the modern world. This is the great Australian Dream, and we want to be a part of it.
My identity is the sacred crocodile. I am a man of fire. This is my identity and my strength. I have children and grand children and I want a future for them so they can thrive. I want the same for your children and grandchildren. I want our people to be connected together in this ancient land, walking side by side, living side by side under the Southern Stars.
What happened on October 14th, 2023 is in the past. It is in the past. We must let the world turn and set itself right. Trust in each other. Work together and believe in the future.”-Djawa Yunupingu-Garma 2024