A disclaimer for our First Nations listeners,  the following story contains mention of an Aboriginal person who has died.

In 1988, former Prime Minister Bob Hawke visited an Aboriginal community in Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, promising a treaty, but it never came. 

THREE years later, Australian band Yothu Yindi released their famous song ‘Treaty’ in protest. 

Almost 35 years on, the band is still going strong and performing despite the passing of lead singer Dr Mandawuy Yunupingu in 2018. 

The Wire’s Netta Finney Mejia spoke to Founding member and Yolngu  Elder Wiyitana Marika, about his thoughts on a treaty in modern Australia. 

If this story raises any concerns, you can contact 13 YARN (13 92 76) for First Nations peoples, or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Image: Image: Provided/ Netta Finney Mejia

Produced By: Netta Finney Mejía

Featured In Story: Witiyana Marika – Yothu Yindi founding member and Yolngu Elder, and Stuart Kellaway – Yothu Yindi founding member and song writer

First aired on The Wire, Monday 13 January 2025