A new book detailing the extraordinary story of iconic Northern Territory rock band Yothu Yindi has hit the shelves.
"Writing in the Sand", by Yothu Yindi's biographer and well-known Darwin journalist Matt Garrick, marks 30 years since the band released its best known song, the iconic "Treaty".
The bi-lingual rock anthem gave voice to Indigenous Australia's hard-fought struggle for recognition.
The book tells the band's story through its co-founder, dancer and traditional songman Witiyana Marika, who formed Yothu Yindi with his late uncle, lead singer Dr M. Yunupingu.
"He was the fire, the flame, and I was the spark," said Witiyana.
"I have enjoyed (telling Yothu Yindi's story). I have cried. It is something I can tell the world.
"This book tells how we've been travelling the world for more than 30 years. We were the remarkable, powerful performers that brought our power onto the stage."
The book features previously unpublished photos from the band's archive and is based on interviews with current and former band members, Dr M. Yunupingu's wife Yalmay and fellow artists like Peter Garrett, Paul Kelly, Neil Finn and Joy McKean.
"Writing in the Sand" marks 30 years since the release of Yothu Yindi's smash hit "Treaty"
"Sometimes a musical revolution can erupt from the most unlikely of places," Garrick said.
"Long before they were ARIA Hall of Fame inductees, Yothu Yindi were a bunch of Yolngu and Balanda (non-Indigenous) mates rocking out in the remote Top End.
"Soon they were creating some of the coolest new music in the country, splicing traditional sounds with electric and spreading a message of unity.
"Then, after singer Mandawuy Yunupingu penned the hit song 'Treaty' with Paul Kelly and Peter Garrett and a remix dropped in 1991, Yothu Yindi shot out of Arnhem Land and into the hearts of music lovers across Australia and the world."
Witiyana hopes the release of "Writing in the Sand" will re-ignite debate around a treaty between government and First Nations people - a pledge first made by then Prime Minister Bob Hawke in 1988.
"It's 30 years since we made 'Treaty' and there's still no treaty," he said.
"Thirty years since that powerful work, and there's nothing, even though there's treaties in Canada, New Zealand and elsewhere. But for the world's oldest living culture - nothing yet.
"We want to see a treaty and we want to see Makarrata (peacemaking) for every Traditional Owner across Australia."
