Witiyana Marika, respected Yolngu elder and founding member of pioneering North East Arnhem Land group Yothu Yindi, is preparing to celebrate a remarkable milestone as the group returns to the WOMADelaide stage for the first time in 33 years.

The band will mark 35 years since their landmark album ‘Tribal Voice’, featuring iconic anthems such as ‘Treaty’ and ‘Djapana (Sunset Dreaming), in what promises to be an emotionally charged performance bridging cultures and generations.

The band's unique fusion of traditional Yolngu culture with contemporary music, alongside balanda (non-Aboriginal or European) musicians has fundamentally changed the landscape of Australian culture over nearly four decades.

Speaking from Naarm/Melbourne on December 12, the day of a special Treaty celebration concert at John Cain Arena on Wurundjeri country, Mr Marika reflected on the extraordinary journey that began when Yothu Yindi was formed in 1985.