Gumatj leaders announce plans for a new land council to be ‘part of the economic life of this nation’ at a cultural festival focused on hope
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Warning: This article contains references to Indigenous Australians who have died
In 1999, when the Garma festival was conceived in north-east Arnhem Land, Yolŋu leaders knew the potential it had to bring about change.
“I seen it. Mandawuy and myself, we seen it … it’s gonna be big,” says Rirratjingu clan leader Witiyana Marika, who was one of the leaders at that first meeting held in someone’s back yard.