Yothu Yindi founding member Witiyana Marika is still waiting.

The Rirratjiŋu elder appeared at the Barunga Festival at the weekend, still wondering what happened to all the positives surrounding the meeting 1988 with Prime Minister Bob Hawke where the Barunga Statement, written on a piece of bark, was presented.

The singer was joined by band members at the festival, some 380kms south-east of Darwin in the top end, where they ended their show with a performance of Treaty – the song that gave them fame back in 1991.

The Barunga Festival is regarded as the biggest celebration of Indigenous art, sport, music and traditional craft in the Territory.

Mr Hawke agreed ‘in principle’ to the treaty request, but as yet, nothing has been delivered.

“We waited, waited – we were happy it was going to happen soon you know? While he was prime minister. It didn’t happen,” Mr Marika told the ABC.

“Politicians have always their own agenda,” Mr Marika, who said he will keep dancing and signing, added.

“We are strong people right across Arnhem Land, and right across the First Nations. We won’t give up.”