There is no English word that encompasses the fullness of the Yolngu word makarrata. It means coming together for a ceremonial restoration of peace and healing after a dispute.
Makaratta is often talked about in the context of a treaty, constitutional recognition, better political representation, land rights and recognition of sovereignty. We believe these are all vitally important, but also that they need to be built on the foundation of a fundamental recasting of the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australian people, and not be merely another machination of the state.
Byamee Institute will hold events that are about people seeing each other better through conversation and yarning, truth telling and stories, but going beyond the yarn, to reflection, agreement making and commitments, be that with oneself or others.