The Garma Festival, now in its 12th year is a celebration and cultural exchange with the Yol?u of north east Arnhem Land. This once in a lifetime experience takes place over a four day period from August 6-10 2010.
The festival, produced by the Yothu Yindi Foundation, plays a unique role in providing a rare window of opportunity for all visitors to experience a gathering through the ancient sharing of knowledge, arts and culture; to learn from and listen to one another.
With this year’s focus on Education and Training, bookings are still open. Come and immerse yourselves in one of the most vibrant annual celebrations of Yol?u life at Gulkula ceremonial ground, set on the escarpment of a stringy bark forest with views to the Gulf of Carpentaria. The festival site has profound meaning it is where the ancestor Ganbulabula brought the yidaki (didjeridu) into being among the Gumatj people.
Rhoda Roberts directs this year's world renowned Garma Festival of Traditional Culture in the remote Northern Territory and has announced the opening of its online bookings website for the August 6-10, 2010 celebrations.
"More and more of us want to share knowledge with Australian aborigines so this is a rare chance to do so," Rhoda explained.
Several hundred Australians and international guests will gather on the remote Arnhem Land site.
"The mesmerising ancient sound of the yidaki is a call to all people to come together in unity. Rhoda explained yesterday from Arnhem Land where she and her family have taken up residence this month.
"Or, you may just want to learn how to say G'day in one of Australia's first languages," she quipped.
It's a long way from the Sydney Harbour Bridge and its New Years Eve celebrations which Rhoda also directs, but "there is truly nothing like this Garma celebration anywhere in the world."
"Its a huge privilege and life-changing experience to stay on their Country and witness the vibrant Bunggul (corroboree gathering) celebration."
Visitors camp over 5 days at Gulkula ceremonial grounds set on a dramatic escarpment of stringy bark forest overlooking the Gulf of Carpentaria. Its history has profound meaning as the location where the ancestor Ganbulabula brought the yidaki (didjeridu) into use amongst the Gumatj people. Over several days Festival participants can enjoy music, dance and cultural practices such as weaving, spear making and other crafts together with the local Aboriginal Yolngu community.
Education and training forums
Garma, established 12 years ago by the Yothu Yindi Foundation, is devoted to what they describe as "two way education," inviting leaders and specialists in education and training this year for its youth, academic and political open discussion forums.
Amongst its regular attendees has been actor Jack Thompson, now its patron, advisor and only non-indigenous Board member.
"My first experience of the Garma Festival was one of the most powerful times in my life, the learning and discovery inspired me to be more connected with the Foundation and support the project in any way I can."
Tickets and more information at http://www.garma.telstra.com