Back on Yolŋu Country in North-East Arnhem Land after a two year hiatus, this year’s Garma Festival theme “Look towards the future” continues the Yothu Yindi Foundation’s focus on education and youth.
With a lot to catch-up on and discuss over the four-day festival, the NITV's own Natalie Ahmat & John Paul Janke will be hosting live daily wrap programs all the highlights live. There's art, dance, yoga and yarns, as well as insights from national and international leaders as they discuss key issues facing the country.
We'll see the return of the staple Buŋgul (dance circle), live music from Miiesha, Yothu Yindi New Generation, East Journey and more. There'll also be the traditional forums exploring education, health, economics, women's voices, and keep an eye out for some exciting new additions.
Astronomy at the Point, Garma Cinema's showing of High Ground directed by Stephen Johnson, and Tai Chi with the always tranquil Jack Thompson (and maybe John Paul Janke).
In a message to guests, Chairman of the Yothu Yindi Foundation, Galarrwuy Yunupingu AM welcomed everyone back to Garma. On a pandemic-enforced hiatus since 2019, Yunupingu highlighted the importance of providing a space again for voices to be heard, and for the attending leaders to work in the best interest of young people.
The team behind Garma are ready to return after a two-year break! Source: Supplied: yyf.com.au
“I look around at the other leaders who are still with me and I can see their struggle as well," he said in a statement.
"I welcome all of them to Garma and give them this place for their voices to be heard. All the leaders of the Aboriginal and Islander world have the Yolŋu people at their service."
Festival Director Denise Bowden also noted the difficulty of the last few years, and the need to reenergise.
"Without that touch and contact that we enjoy as people, with each other and with the lands and waters around us, we have to renew the dialogue and the friendships that we have built and that we carry with us."
NITV has you covered
Prof Marcia Langton AM greets Chairman of the Yothu Yindi Foundation, Galarrwuy Yunipingu (Source: AAP)
As always, Natalie & JP will be providing their valuable insights and reflections each day as they take you through the highlights, such as a keynote address by prime minster Anthony Albanese, accompanied by the minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney, and the Special Envoy for Reconciliation and the Implementation of the Uluru Statement Senator Patrick Dodson.
Nat and JP will also be wrapping up some of the key messages from a variety of youth and cultural forums covering education, economics, health topics, featuring industry leaders like Shelley Ware, Professor Marcia Langton AO, Denise Bowdon, Djawa Yunipingu, June Oscar OA and many more.
NITV will be providing comprehensive coverage of Garma across television and online, including regular updates, insights and moments across our website and social platforms and each afternoon the Buŋgul will be streamed live on Facebook.
Special radio broadcasts of the four days will also be held across SBS Arabic, French, Mandarin & Cantonese and NITV Radio.
