“This festival plays an important role in preserving and promoting local Indigenous culture and developing economic opportunities for Yolngu,” the Minister said.
“Now in its 17th year, the festival attracts thousands of people every year and is increasingly putting Yolngu culture on the international stage.
“It promotes a greater understanding of, and respect for, Indigenous culture by demonstrating traditional lifestyle and activities and helps to inform the wider community about issues affecting Indigenous people and communities.”
The theme for this year’s Garma Festival is Build your Future and Strengthen your Lives.
Minister Scullion will be part of the opening ceremony on Friday afternoon and later in the day, deliver the keynote Garma lecture which will focus on local empowerment and building on the pillars of reform for the community.
“Children need to go to school, adults need to work. We need to make communities safer,” he said.
“I believe it is important to point you to the things which will strengthen lives and build a better future and the reason I continue to focus on these three areas is we know they make a difference.”