Australian politicians and Indigenous leaders gathered at Garma, in north east Arnhem Land, using the festival as a vehicle to drive change in the Land Rights system.
The Bark Petitions calling for rights to country originated on Yolngu land, but how those rights are determined and managed is still a very live issue.
Yolngu elders such as Djawa Yunupingu are calling for greater decision making powers at the local level.
“The Abbott Government has entered this argument pushing a new system of 99 year leases which it promotes as a means to greater self-determination, with its major focus on economic development,” he said.
However the Northern Land Council opposes the Federal governments push for 99 Year Leases and any change to the Northen Territory land Rights Act, telling NITV News that land ownership and economic development is very achievable through the current act.
Garma Festival attracts close to 2000
The Garma Festival is an annual event which celebrates Yolngu culture. This year, almost 2000 people attended, spending around $2000 a ticket bringing an economic boost to the area.
Beyond the tourist dollar, the festival works to connect corporate Australia, all sides of Government and Indigenous leaders to strengthen relationships and work together to improve the state of Indigenous affairs.
The multi-million dollar event attracted top level opinion makers and community powerbrokers - including former Prime Minister Bob Hawke – for discussions covering issues such as constitutional recognition, to bi-lingual education and economic development.
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