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Garma Festival,
Friday 3 to Tuesday 7 August 2007
[DAY 1] [DAY 2] [DAY 3] [DAY 4] [DAY 5]
Day 1 , Friday 3 August
Festival opening
 The 9th annual Garma Festival opened on Friday. Galarrwuy Yunupingu, Chairman of the Yothu Yindi Foundation, opened the Festival in the afternoon. Following Galarrwuy's speech, the crowd watched a bunggul ( traditional dance ceremony) which celebrated the opening of the festival and the Remote Learning Partnership signed earlier in the day.
Remote Learning Partnership signing at Yambirrpa School
Northern Territory Chief Minister, Clare Martin, attended the signing of the Remote Learning Partnership between the Yambirrpa School and the NT Department of Education, Employment and Training. Chairperson of Yambirrpa School Council, Wali Wunungmurra, said that in the "current political climate, we do care about our children and our children's education... Our custom is we have always loved our kids and looked after them till they are free to go ... but still under the watch of their elders and parents."
"The foundation for this project was laid three years ago by the old people ... this partnership is one of the wisest things that ever happened. It will help our children to become strong leaders for the future. It's time to have a unified voice, to speak out with one voice, one mind," Wali said.
The partnership is another direct outcome of the Garma 2006 Key Forum on education, and the Garma Forum report published later last year.
Clare Martin said the Yambirrpa Remote Learning Partnership was the forerunner of many. "It is putting children first, giving them skills, choices and jobs for their future. We are committed to the long haul," she said.
Marion Scrymgour, Minister for Arts and Museums, and for Young Territorians, said the strength of the Yolngu people showed up the "lies being told about Aboriginal people". She said, "The strength and diverstiy of the culture in the Northern Territory is precious to us ... when people from Caboolture to Kirribilli pretend to know what's best for us."
Gapan Gallery
 After dinner, the ancient sound of the yidaki rang hauntingly through the darkness. This was followed by wails from the elders -- women crying for the land their ancestors had gently nurtured for more than 40,000 years. A cry of life and hope, but also a cry for all the spirits who have passed before.
The crying stopped and halogen lights lit the clearing. The unique gallery displaying the art of the printmakers from the Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Art Centre opened for business.
Live Performances
 Bands
In the evening, the music started with the first of the young Indigenous bands from the Contemporary Music Training Program.
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