R U OK? at Garma 2017
R U OK? were privileged to be welcomed to the Youth Yindi Foundation Garma Festival on 4-7 August 2017.
Each year an estimated 2,500 visitors gather and camp at Gulkula, a traditional ceremonial meeting ground, historically significant to the Yolngu people of the north east Arnhem Land. Here, guests from all persuasions gather to experience four days of the Garma Festival, Australia’s largest indigenous led, indigenous programmed cultural exchange.
R U OK? were invited to be a part of the Youth Forum, held throughout the festival. The Youth Forum centres on exploring pathways for the next generation to shape Australia’s future.
Suicide is one of the most common causes of death among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Alongside a number of forums on social, emotional wellbeing, and mental health, R U OK? showcased peer support and meaningful connections to Youth Forum attendees through a performing arts workshop.
With thanks
to R U OK? school partner, Brainstorm Productions
, a production called ‘Sticks
and Stones’ was performed for all youth attendees, designed to focus on
engaging friends and family in conversation with an emphasis on recognising
body language and subtle social cues when someone appears not to be ok.
Sticks and
Stones is about two energetic young performers and shines a spotlight on
negative patterns of behaviour through inappropriate modelling from peers, TV
and computer games. It demonstrates the importance of seeking help and asking
our friends, family and community if they are ok. It also discusses the
services that are available to support people when they are struggling. The
hard hitting narrative is punctuated with circus skills to demonstrate
cooperation and the use of control through breathing techniques, focus and
channelling energy into positive pursuits.
On the
final day of Garma, R U OK? was invited to co-host a Q&A session with all youth
attendees. Guests heard the moving music, song lyrics and poetry that had been created
over the four days and listened to feedback, learnings and hopes for the
future.
We express our
thanks to the Youth Yindi Foundation
for welcoming us to Garma and the
opportunity to share the power of conversation.
