Garma Festival

The participants of the mining forum assert that the knowledge from Garma is an importat contribution to the sustainability agenda. To further this agenda, they suggested a high level dialogue between mining industry leaders and Australian Indigenous leaders.

In response, Galarrwuy Yunupingu has announced a special initiative, inviting mining and Indigenous leaders of Australia to a retreat on country to discuss environmental, cultural, social, economic and governance issues as part of the sustainability agenda. These issues are inextricably entwined. The agenda is consistent with the implementation of, and building upon, the industry’s Global Mining Initiative and Garma. The Minerals Council of Australia and the mining representatives at this Garma Forum expressed their appreciation and acceptance of the invitation and their commitment to facilitating industry participation.

The intent of such a dialogue is to seek win-win outcomes. The dialogue themes might include:

Inter- and intra-generational and community equity as the basis for sustainability, including short- and long-term perspectives.
Cultural sustainability and economic sustainability being inextricably linked to environmental sustainability.
Different forms of knowledge are required for caring for the environment. Indigenous knowledge and Balanda knowledge need to work together to achieve balanced outcomes.
Indigenous people need access to the contemporary economy and the material advantages that come with it, including the protection of Indigenous intellectual property rights.
Mutual recognition and accommodation of respective knowledge systems, including culture and ceremony, will provide for better relationships.
Improved relationships and cultural integrity are closely linked to the functionality of Indigenous communities’ economy and ecology.
Fair mandates for mining will arise from strong communities that are deeply grounded and confident in their own cultural continuity.