*Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this article contains the name of a deceased Elder, used with the family’s permission.
Professor Robyn Aitken, Dean of Rural and Remote Health, was among 27 Flinders University staff and students who took part in this year’s Garma Festival, from 4-7 August.
The Garma Festival is Australia’s largest Indigenous gathering, a four-day celebration of Yolŋu life and culture held in remote northeast Arnhem Land.
Hosted by the Yothu Yindi Foundation, Garma showcases traditional miny’tji (art), manikay (song), bunggul (dance) and story-telling, and is an important meeting point for the clans and families of the region.
Professor Aitken spoke at the festival about the importance of connections between people that represent the cornerstone of the festival.
“Garma provided us with the opportunity to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders, including our own esteemed Nhulunbuy staff, and role model the way that Flinders’ interacts respectfully with the communities in the regions where we work, ‘value-adding’ rather than ‘taking from’,” says Professor Aitken.
Dr Richard Fejo, Flinders Elder on campus, also reflected on the festival’s significance within Australia’s culture.
“Garma 2023 was and will remain an event that presents Yolŋu culture at its finest,” says Uncle Richie.
“As I explained to the students, they are on Country to see, hear, feel, smell and understand the worldview of Yolŋu. By attending Nhulunbuy and Garma, they have a rare opportunity to gain insight into cultural practices that most other students do not get to experience and this is what makes Flinders an outstanding institution.”
Flinders had an exhibition booth at the festival site, hosted by staff, students and graduates, while Mayalil Fay Marika and Lipaki Jenny Dhamarrandji presented bush medicine workshops and shared their traditional knowledge with attendees.
Flinders staff also participated in the ABC’s special edition Q&A program, which centred on the Voice to Parliament referendum.
The festival hosted special events to celebrate the life of Gumatj Clan leader Yunupiŋu, who went to burralku, land of departed spirits, home of the morning star, earlier this year. You can read Flinders’ tribute to this extraordinary leader here.
Flinders University’s participation in the Garma Festival not only underscored its commitment to cultural competence but also emphasised its role in shaping future leaders and doctors who will carry forward the invaluable gift of knowledge and experiences.
Flinders University staff or students interested in knowing more about our rural SA and NT sites, and are thinking of visiting the regions where Flinders works, can contact Professor James Smith (NT) or Professor Claire Drummond via email: cmph.ruralandremote@flinders.edu.au
To learn more about studying in the NT, click here.
For more information about studying medicine at Flinders, click here.