As he travels the country to make the case for Indigenous constitutional recognition, Cape York leader Noel Pearson will carry a traditional Aboriginal message stick, presented to him by the Yolngu of Arnhem Land.

Handed over in a simple but moving ceremony on the sidelines of the Garma Festival on Sunday, the stick is charged with the authority of the Dilak Council of the area. A governing body of senior cultural leaders from 13 clan groups, its power is based in the traditional governance rules of this place.