GARMA FESTIVAL 4-10 Setpember 2000

Opening Speech excerpts by Galarrwuy Yunupingu

The Chairman of the Northern Land Council and aboriginal elder, Galarrwuy Yunupingu, today gave a hearty welcome to those that had travelled to Garma 2000.

In a clearing at Gulkula, surrounded by stringy-barks, he spoke enthusiastically about the aims of this year’s festival.

"Aboriginal culture is the oldest in the world. We need to share the one and only culture this country can offer. It has been lived and loved for thousands of years. Garma is the gateway to that learning."

He said the learning of aboriginal culture can be shared with the rest of the world and made clear that Garma 2000 was not about politics.

"It is about sharing and understanding … the sound of the yidaki soothes political aggressiveness."

Galarrwuy stressed the importance of keeping the aboriginal language alive.

"You start robbing our culture by replacing aboriginal names. Naming gives pride back to the people that own it. Island, hill, flora, fauna. Our culture must be left intact".

The opening of the festival was met with warm applause, with all present looking forward to the cultural activities planned over the next few days.