Protocols at the Garma Festival

Authority to make a recording of the Festival

If you wish to take photographs or make any other form of recording you must sign the 'General Authority to Make a Record of the Festival'. This AGREEMENT IS SIGNED ELECTRONICALLY DURING YOUR REGISTRATION PROCESS and is also available at Reception or can be downloaded here (pdf)

It is inappropriate to take any photographs of Yolngu without first seeking the permission of a senior elder.

Alcohol and Drugs

Alcohol and drugs are not permitted at the site of the Garma Festival. Alcohol is also banned at Yirrkala and Gunyangara. Substantial fines are imposed on people caught taking alcohol or drugs into these communities. Since the town at Nhulunbuy was established in the 1970s alcohol abuse has had a devastating effect on many families. Please do not contribute to the problem.

Permits

The Yolngu are the traditional owners of north east Arnhem land. They are also recognised as owners of this land under Australian law through the Aboriginal Land Rights Act (NT) 1976. Permits are required to enter Aboriginal land. The Garma Festival invitationonly permits you to attend the Festival, and all Permit Conditions apply. Copies of the permit conditions can be downloaded here (pdf) or are available from the Reception at the Festival. Your invitation to the Festival and the receipt of payment (if applicable) are evidence of attending the Festival and of your permit. Please keep these documents with you at all times when travelling through Arnhem Land.

Gulkula and surrounding areas is an Indigenous Protected Area (IPA), managed by Dhimurru Land Management Aboriginal Corporation. Declared in March 2001 as the first IPA in the Northern Territory, the Dhimurru IPA is a part of the Australian National Reserve System of protected areas.

Behaviour

At the Garma Festival, you are invited to observe and work within Yolngu protocols.

• Remember you are on Yolngu land and entering Yolngu time.
• Yolngu perceptions, priorities and preoccupations are different from those of mainstream Australia. Be patient, and try to leave at home your expectations of how things are learnt, and how events should run.
• Traditionally Yolngu learn by observation, by looking and listening. Asking too many questions can be inappropriate. So, when you have questions, choose them carefully and thoughtfully.
• Respect Yolngu people’s personal space, particularly in the camping areas
• Avoid strolling around and visiting Yolngu campsites unless specifically invited and accompanied by Yolngu.
• Please exercise courtesy and sensitivity when taking photographs – seek the permission of the subjects if taking close-ups, or photographs of small groups, particularly in the women’s programs and men’s programs cultural and health sessions.
• Visitors should NOT leave the Gulkula site on their own and should only walk along specifically marked Festival trails. This is about showing respect for land and is also a safety issue. Please ensure someone knows your travel plans.
• Treat the old people with the greatest of respect – they hold the knowledge and the power.
• Please be conscious that dress standards may often vary from what is considered acceptable at your home. By dressing conservatively you will avoid the possibility of causing offence.