Trinitytoday 12 Indigenous Focus Six students (Taylor Delmont, Clarrie Smith, Sarah Abell, Jad De Busch, Darcey Alexander and Jaz De Busch) from ÂÒÂ×´óÉñ, along with Warden, Professor Ken Hinchcliff, and Rusden Curator of Art, Dr Ben Thomas, attended this year’s Garma Festival held in Arnhem Land from 4-7 August. ‘Garma was an indescribable experience, where I was able to interact with Indigenous people and partake in cultural practices on a daily basis, instilling within me a strong sense of belonging and deep admiration.’ – Taylor Delmont, Bachelor of Arts (3rd year) ‘Garma would have to be one of my favourite experiences made available by Trinity so far. I learnt so much that I would not have otherwise in an academic context, and it has made me more determined to ensure that we can not only improve the lives of Indigenous Australians into the future, but also learn to appreciate Indigenous cultures.’ – Sarah Abell, Bachelor of Arts (3rd year) ‘Garma gave me the incredible opportunity to learn more about Indigenous culture. Being able to see and hear art, storytelling and the proud use of language on country made attending Garma a few days I’ll always cherish.’ – Darcey Alexander, Bachelor of Arts (2nd year) ‘Garma is a unique learning experience. The things you hear and see make you ask lots of questions about yourself and what it means to be Australian today. Being there was not always easy, but the best and most valuable experiences never are.’ - Clarrie Smith, Bachelor of Arts (2nd year) ‘As an Indigenous person, I feel so honoured to have shared this experience with such an awesome group of people. It is amazing how after a couple of days I now consider my companions family. My time at Garma reminded me that family comes in all different forms; in the earth, the animals, in the trees and the people around you. Garma was an incredibly humbling experience and will definitely not fade from my memory anytime soon.’ - Jad De Busch, Bachelor of Arts Extended (2nd year) ‘Going to Garma we were immersed in Yolngu culture; it was one of those experiences you can’t put into words. The people we met I will always hold in my heart. Coming back to Melbourne I had a different understanding of Yolngu people, culture and traditions that are the foundations of the Yolngu. The mix between urban influences and culture was incredible! I would recommend to anyone interested: go to Garma and experience two worlds!’ - Jaz De Busch, Bachelor of Arts Extended (3rd year) Hosted, coordinated and organised by the Yothu Yindi Foundation (YYF), Garma brings leaders from across the globe to discuss the most pressing issues facing Australia’s Indigenous people. YYF is committed to improving the state of Indigenous disadvantage by engaging leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. GARMA STUDENT REFLECTION Trinity’s students and staff came away from the Festival with a deeper appreciation of the importance of culture, language, storytelling and art for Indigenous people. Below are reflections from attending students on their Garma experience.