I recently had the privilege of attending the Garma Festival, hosted by the Yothu Yindi Foundation in remote northeast Arnhem Land. This four-day event is Australia's largest Indigenous gathering and showcases the rich traditions of Yolŋu life through art (miny’tji), song (manikay), dance (bunggul), and powerful storytelling. Garma is a Yolngu Matha term, which means “two-way learning process”.

Yolŋu dancers and singers perform a bunggul, which is a cultural tradition that dates back thousands of years. As day turns to dusk, dancers from different clan groups emerge with vibrant clothes and patterns painted on their bodies.

As part of the Sea Shepherd Australia team, Grahame and I had numerous opportunities to connect with Indigenous ranger groups, Traditional Owners, and their leaders. We discussed our ongoing collaborations and the critical environmental work we are dedicated to in Northern Australia. It was inspiring to catch up with so many people who are deeply committed to this important work.

One of the highlights of the festival was the Warraw, a structure creatively built by the Cave Urban team from ghost nets and gear collected by Dhimurru Land and Sea Rangers. This installation sparked vital conversations about the plastic pollution problem, a key focus of our marine debris campaign.

The celebration on Sunday began with honouring the Yolŋu people's fight for Sea rights and their historic victory at Blue Mud Bay. Subsequent panels explored how we can further protect Sea Country and investigate innovative business opportunities for First Nations people. On Monday, we had the opportunity to speak at the Dhäwu’mi Wäŋa, diving deeper into the issue of marine debris in Arnhem Land. It was a moment to reflect on our achievements and how working alongside First Nations People strengthens our efforts and enhances our collective victories.

Hearing key Aboriginal leaders speaking highly of Sea Shepherd’s ongoing collaborative approach to looking after sea country warmed our hearts with pride as essentially being acknowledged as reconciliation through conservation. When many are talking reconciliation, it's very humbling to hear that we are being recognised as leading with real action with first nations people.

I was really taken aback by how welcoming the Yolŋu people are of us all on Country and to be immersed in their culture, to listen, to stand, to walk and to dance with them. The power of the people and the bunggul is truly overwhelming, showing us that culture and respect for their elders is so strong in this part of Australia.

I challenged anyone to come to Garma and not be deeply affected, a primal awakening of the senses, of our spirit, a deep connection we all crave. The feeling at times was indeed overwhelming, like my heart could not be contained in my chest. One thing is for sure, I come away more focused and driven for the next steps as we work together with our first nations people in defence of Sea Country and Mother Nature, the most spectacular show on earth.

A huge thank you to Agency Projects, Yothu Yindi Foundation, Koori Radio and everyone involved for making this incredible celebration possible. The Garma Festival was not just an event but a profound learning experience that reinforced our commitment to conservation and collaboration.