Most Australians would be familiar with the hit song Treaty by Yothu Yindi.
This year marks 30 years since the event in the Northern Territory that inspired songwriters Mandawuy and Galarrwuy Yunupingu.
Labor leader Bill Shorten will be on hand at the Barunga Festival being held near Katherine from this Friday.
Former Labor leader and prime minister Bob Hawke received the Barunga Statement on June 12, 1988, at the annual festival.
Written on bark, the statement called for Aboriginal self-management, a national system of land rights, compensation for loss of lands, respect for Aboriginal identity, an end to discrimination, and the granting of full civil, economic, social and cultural rights.
Mr Hawke said at the time he wanted to conclude a treaty by 1990, but it has not eventuated.
The festival includes music, short films, dance, sporting events, spear-making, bush tucker and children's activities.
