Twenty-three tribes, half of the groups living in East Arnhem Land, have
wound up a three-month-long ceremony tracing the roots of tribal law.

Tribal elder Geoffrey Garrawarra says the Ngarra Ceremony on Elcho Island
is a sort of Indigenous Parliament to address issues of tribal law, lay
out the constitution and revitalise understanding of traditional law.

He says passing on the knowledge and explaining its significance to young
people is important for the future.

"Disciplining young people, teaching them to obey the laws, to follow the
law, to follow the system, to follow the structures, all sorts of things,
teaching the young girls and boys," he said.