Proud Gumatj woman Doris Dhämbiŋ Burarrwaŋa enjoys watching her grandchildren make art on a bark canvas. This practice is a beloved tradition embedded in the Yolŋu culture. Named after an Indigenous word for “sparks flying,” this year’s Garma Festival sparked conversations that connected youth voices to the frontlines of climate action. Fifteen-year-old Kiki Garrawurra from Elcho Island told her truly powerful stories and concerns directly to the Prime Minister. The festival has become a significant event where Indigenous youth express their aspirations and demands for recognition and action from decision-makers.
Kiki Garrawurra wants to make sure that the stories from her community are heard by decision makers, especially by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. She describes in beautiful detail how she wants the PM to understand what her people are going through. I’m not the only young participant who feels this way. They are desperate for the decision-makers around them to listen and actually pay attention to what they have to say.
Cultural Significance of the Bark Canvas
The bark canvas the children produced is unlike any other artistic collaboration I’ve ever seen. Beyond its economic benefits, the corridor represents the Underserved’s movements and adventures. It holds profound cultural importance. According to Doris Dhämbiŋ Burarrwaŋa, fingerprints on the canvas represent where the people came from and who they are. Each brushstroke conveys a message, an embodiment of the profound relationship between the Yolŋu people and their country.
Siena and Savannha Gondarra, two emerging artist sisters, are helping to write this narrative with their art. Their design recounts the tales of fire’s origin and transformation, including the story of a quail igniting a fire in dry grass and Bäru’s transformation into a crocodile through flames. This beautiful artwork is now set to travel around Australia to inspire, educate and provoke thought with its powerful message.
“We are Yolŋu people, we are on our own land, we got strong cultures, songs.” – Doris Dhämbiŋ Burarrwaŋa
Bark painting becomes more than an aesthetics based artistic expression. Caring for country serves as an important cultural practice, safeguarding the spiritual beliefs of the Yolŋu people. As Doris relates, these stories are crucial antidotes to omens that would have them forget their existence and resilience.
A Call to Action from Young Leaders
At the Garma Festival, Kiki Garrawurra stood before politicians to read a poignant statement on behalf of her peers. Her message resonated with clarity and determination: “We are still here, we are strong, we want to be part of the decisions, and we are ready to lead.” This profound statement underlines the need for youth to be meaningfully engaged in processes that shape their futures.
All of these students sent a very clear, urgent message—to hear them and respond to their needs, decision-makers must start listening and take action. It is imperative that their voices become more than just a flash in the pan. “It’s important that we are not a moment in time,” she stated. This is a positive indication that they’re serious about engaging in a continued dialogue and action.
“It hurts us when our people get sick. It hurts us when our people are locked up, and we just want this as a message to share that, to remind people we are still here.” – Siena Gondarra
This chorus of pleas for acknowledgement underscores the persistent wars faced by Indigenous populations. Not only does it lend insight into their health disparities, but their disproportionate incarceration rates. The students’ demand to be acknowledged and valued by those in power is a powerful element of their advocacy.
The Future They Envision
Even as they pursue their artistic dreams, these young people take with them the hope of creating a more just world. From the perspectives of the S’Klallam, the fire they carry represents their identity and culture. It tells the story of their hope for change and leadership in their communities.
Doris Dhämbiŋ Burarrwaŋa sharing knowledge from her life experiences and calling for leaders to listen to the demands from the young people. “It’s time for them to do everything what I’m saying or what I’m sharing,” she emphasizes, highlighting the urgency for action.
Kiki Garrawurra’s plea encapsulates this drive: “I want the Prime Minister to see and appreciate us.” This broader request highlights her longing for acknowledgement and respect for her community’s heritage and fight.
