The annual Yolŋu festival, held on Gumatj Country at the sacred site of Gulkula, is celebrating its 25th year.

Cedric Marika is dedicated to his culture, and his people. He dances to keep his culture alive for the next generation. Source: AAP / JAMES ROSS/AAPIMAGE

A summit of political leaders, business and local community, it’s a chance to discuss opportunities and challenges, and to set an agenda for the coming year.

During the evening Buŋgul (ceremony), when singing and the droning thrum of the yidaki rings out over the central festival ground, dancers from local tribes present the cultural centrepiece of Garma Festival.

He now leads the Gumatj clan (his mother’s people) in the Buŋgul, a resplendent figure in ochre paint, strutting proudly through the Emu Dance, hands clasped behind his back, or the Mosquito Dance, the dispatching of irksome insects recreated in parody with rhythmic slaps to the body.

Members from the Gumatj clan of the Yolngu people from north-eastern Arnhem Land prepare for the Buŋgul. Source: AAP / JAMES ROSS/AAPIMAGE

Marika describes the feeling of dancing in simple terms.

“In an Aboriginal scale of values, a man worthy of a doctorate would … be an artist – the hunter would help to feed the artist.”

While a constant theme of Garma is the push by organisers Yothu Yindi Foundation for more economic participation for the region’s people, it goes hand in hand with a wish to protect culture.

Old and young perform at the Bunggul. The festival, in its 25th year, has seen babies grow into leaders over its lifetime. Source: AAP / JAMES ROSS/AAPIMAGE

The opportunities some digital innovations may provide can’t come at the risk of a loss of culture.

“There’s a lot of opportunities for the younger ones to step in.”