Indigenous leaders look to the future at Garma: ‘People are feeling strong again’

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 Noel Pearson: ‘The inability to deliver the changes Indigenous Australians need is no longer just a moral failure but a civilisational one’ In 1999, when the Garma festival was conceived in north-east Arnhem Land, Yolngu 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.