LITTLE HAWK TOURS AUSTRALIA
Cultures In Harmony

GARMA FESTIVAL- August 4-8, 2006
The Garma Festival is a peaceful celebration of cultural traditions and practices - dance, songs, music, stories, and art of clans from different territories. There is a sharing of a common reverence toward the land, sea, and all living things with those attending. Garma promotes knowledge, wisdom, and understanding of man's relationship to his environment, which especially benefits all the Indigenous children.

Garma is regarded as Australia's major Indigenous cultural exchange event, and an award-winning model for authentic, insightful Indigenous tourism. It takes place annually at Gulkula, Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory of Australia. Arnhem Land is where the Yolngu (Aboriginal) culture has survived for more than 40,000 years and is amongst the oldest living cultures on earth. Garma is a Yolngu word, describing a 'two way learning process'.

Please Note: All photos taken by Little Hawk's wife, Beverly.


Children performing for guests at a school near Garma.


Little Hawk at Garma.


Little Hawk admiring Yolgnu art at an Indigenous Museum near Garma. The Yolngu use hollow logs in traditional burial rituals. They are also an important "canvas" for their artwork.



Special permission was given to film at Garma for the 2007 documentary "Three Wise Men" which features (left to right) Jack Thompson (the great Australian actor and Yolgnu activist), Mandawuy Yunupingu (A tribal elder, Garma founder and award-winning musician), and Little Hawk. The filming was directed by Melanie Hogan who is the Director of the acclaimed 2006 Aboriginal film, "Kanyini".


Jack, Mandawuy, and Little Hawk discuss the urgent need to take better care of Mother Earth.


The "Three Wise Men" had a lot to share as they were being filmed at the Garma Festival.


Mandawuy Yunupingu (at left) is wearing a bone necklace made by Grand Chief Silver Eagle of the Métis Eastern Tribal Indian Society of Maine (Little Hawk's people). Mandawuy is one of Australia’s highest profile Indigenous artists as lead singer and songwriter for Yothu Yindi. He was also named the 1992 Australian of the Year.



Little Hawk playing bark trumpet for some boys at Garma.



During Little Hawk's meeting with Galpu clan elder, Djalu' Gurruwiwi, they decided to play music together (Djalu' Gurruwiwi on the traditional yidaki of Australia and Little Hawk playing the traditional flute of Turtle Island). The small gathering of friends, relatives, film crew and onlookers were witnessing a real treat. As one person put it, "It was great to see the joy he felt playing with Little Hawk."

Djalu' Gurruwiwi, has been a master of the yidaki (didjerido) for many years. His instruments are highly respected all around the world. The sound of the yidaki at Gulkula is a call to all peoples to come together in unity. It is said that the sound of the yidaki is the sound of Mother Earth.






Gulumbu Yunupingu, [lady in red] is an internationally acclaimed Indigenous painter whose work is presently at Musee Du Quai Branly, Paris, France. Little Hawk viewed one of her paintings in a museum in Northern Territory, and he "...saw depth in time like the silence that you feel in a prayer when you are praying, and all is quiet around you." It happened that her granddaughter, Akiyo Tanaka was present while Little Hawk stood before the painting and played a flute. Akiyo invited Little Hawk to play flutes for her grandmother. Gulumbu Yunupingu's work is food for the soul.

Little Hawk placed a flute in front of each grandmother and proceeded to play a special tune for each one.

Jack Thompson, Greg Reeves (Australian tour organizer, guitarist, and film Producer), and Little Hawk being filmed by the campfire at Garma.


Little Hawk at the Yirrnga Music Development Centre (YMDC) recording studio near the Garma Festival with Greg Reeves playing awesome guitar music, and acclaimed actor, Jack Thompson playing a harmonica that touches the soul.


Little Hawk and Indigenous elder, Timi, hoist buffalo skull found on Timi's land onto roof of four-wheel drive on journey to shore.


Little Hawk being filmed while walking on Timi's beach.




By the shore on Timi's land.


Song (manikay) and dance (bunggul) are central to Aboriginal people. Little Hawk was honored to be included in the unforgettable experience pictured. The Yolngu term for the white clay on Little Hawk's face is galapan. Bilma rhythm sticks (clap sticks) are used to keep the rhythm (to the left and right of Little Hawk) while a yadaki (didjerido) is played at far right. Later, Little Hawk also played Bilma rhythm sticks.






Little Hawk was interviewed at Garma by TEABBA Radio, an Indigenous radio station located in Pinelands, Australia.


Little Hawk being filmed at the Opera House in Sydney.

Little Hawk at recording studio in Melbourne, Australia.

Nicolas Lyon (on left) is a musician, composer and violinist extraordinaire. He also plays viola, cello, double and electric bass, koto, sitar, harp, cheng, kalimba, piano, and guitar. Nicolas has worked throughout Australia in many fields of music. It was an honor, indeed, for Little Hawk to do two concerts with him.

Hemi J. Rose (on right) is a Maori elder, a visionary, and a very brilliant and caring person. He has been involved in the recording industry, theatrical producer, director, coordinating expos to major events.

Little Hawk with Mr. Reggie, Director, MAYA Living Free Healing Association, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Fabulous painting in background was done by an Indigenous artist.


Little Hawk getting a lesson in circular breathing to play yidaki. Mr. Reggie gifted Little Hawk with the yidaki.

Little Hawk with new friend, Jordan. After seeing Little Hawk's show, Jordan came back for a second show and said to Little Hawk, "You are kind."


Little Hawk peformed over 30 shows for school children in Australia.

Little Hawk had a wonderful time performing in Australia and you can click here to read the amazing feedback the children wrote about the shows.