Barunga Festival to celebrate 35 years of the Barunga Statement

This weekend’s Barunga Festival marks the 35th anniversary of the landmark Barunga Statement, which called on the Commonwealth Government to recognise the rights of Aboriginal people.

Held annually since 1985, the festival celebrates Indigenous community life through music, sport and culture. Around 4000 people are expected to descend on the 400-strong Barunga community, south-west of Katherine, from 9-12 June 2023.

Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in Aboriginal culture through performances and workshops including spear making, bush medicine and weaving. On Saturday afternoon there will be a welcome to country and Bungul to officially open the festival.

Barunga Festival 2023 is run by Bagala Aboriginal Corporation and supported by Northern Territory Government through Northern Territory Major Events Company.

Yesterday at Barunga, Northern Territory Government Ministers and Department Chief Executives took part in a panel discussion as part of a meeting of the four Northern Territory Aboriginal land councils.

Tickets to the Barunga Festival are on sale at www.barungafestival.com.au