Key points
- CSIRO's delegation to Garma Festival 2024 immersed themselves in Yolngu culture, learning from Indigenous leaders and strengthening partnerships.
- The festival provided opportunities to discuss the integration of Traditional Knowledge and Western science, fostering innovation and collaboration.
- CSIRO team members share their reflections on their experience at Garma 2024 and how it reinforces our commitment to reconciliation.
Hosted by the Yothu Yindi Foundation, Garma Festival provides a contemporary environment for the expression of traditional practices in an authentic Yolngu setting. This year, we sent 22 participants, including 20 of our people and two external Indigenous partners, to engage in cultural workshops, key forums and traditional ceremonies.
Held on the remote Gulkula ceremonial site in Northeast Arnhem Land, this year's theme was 'Gurtha-Wuma Worrk-gu' (Fire. Strength. Renewal.). This four-day celebration showcased Yolngu life and culture through miny’tji (art), manikay (song), bunggul (dance) and storytelling. It serves as a crucial meeting point for local families and a platform for sharing Yolngu knowledge systems and customs.
Aaron Quigley, Data61 Science Director and Deputy Director, was part of our delegation.
"Garma is not just an event, but a place of learning and connection," Aaron said.
"It's a multidimensional experience. When you're at Garma, it's workshops, it's exchanges, it's listening to keynotes around policy and advocacy, it's listening to lawyers and business people. It's attending cultural events, music, dance, the arts and all in between camping and living with colleagues."
Connecting with culture
Our diverse delegation, including both Indigenous and non-Indigenous team members and two partners from the Tiwi Islands, fostered broad engagement. Participants learned from and contributed to key conversations. They gained insights directly from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders on integrating Traditional Knowledge and Western science.
Sandra Occhipinti, Mineral Resources Research Director and Chair of the CSIRO Indigenous Engagement Implementation Committee, found her Garma experience profoundly moving.
"The moment I fully realised that Garma was not a ‘show’, but an almost overwhelming act of sincerity and kindness, I was met with a feeling of extreme humility and gratitude," Sandra reflected.
"What struck me most was the reality that Indigenous children, youth and adults are asked to walk in two worlds, navigating very different structures. One world controls and shapes our surroundings, while the other connects deeply with Country, both spiritually and physically. This understanding has deepened my reflection on the importance of listening and seeking ways to understand the intersection of Indigenous Science and what we do here at CSIRO."
Mahnoor Rind, a Yamatji Badimia woman and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement lead for our Catalysing Australia’s Biosecurity project, shared her favourite forums and cultural workshops.
“I loved learning about the Sea Country Rangers and their work protecting Northern Australia’s waters. The session on Indigenous literature in the contemporary world was so moving – authors writing in language, with Elders and young people publishing about culture, for culture," Mahnoor said.
Mahnoor was also inspired by the Garma Youth Forum. Beyond the sessions, she also immersed herself in the vibrant art, music and dance.
“Hearing Indigenous youth share their hopes for Australia’s future was incredible.”
“I’ll never forget the daily bunggul ceremonies. Seeing and hearing Yolngu traditions and the kids joining in was such a blessing. And seeing King Stingray live was absolutely epic!” she said.
Commitment to reconciliation
Our attendance at Garma aligns with our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) commitments to build meaningful and genuine partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. For the first time, our delegation included two external Indigenous representatives from partner organisations: Charlotte Portaminni from Portaminni Trust and Ron Poantimilui from Tiwi Resources. As lead collaborators on a prawn farm pilot project in the Tiwi Islands, Garma provided an excellent opportunity to strengthen this partnership and share experiences.
As we continue our reconciliation journey, Garma remains a significant cultural event for immersing our people and leaders. The experiences and insights gained over the four days will contribute to our ongoing efforts to achieve lasting and positive change.
Kristin Sarra, an Aboriginal woman from the Gooreng Gooreng and Taribelang Bunda Peoples and Cultural Capability Advisor with the CSIRO Indigenous Science and Engagement team, led the delegation.
"It's been a privilege to see the growth of the festival over the last few years," Kristin shared.
"Attending Garma is more than just an experience – it's an opportunity for deep listening and genuine connection. It allows us to build respectful relationships with Indigenous communities and strengthens our capability as an organisation. It demonstrates our commitment to not only listen and learn but also to collaborate in ways that lift Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices."