Yunupingu speaking at Garma, 2019. Source: Melanie Faith Dove, Yothu Yindi Foundation
One of the most beloved and influential Aboriginal leaders and land rights activists, Yunupingu, has passed away in his homelands in north-east Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, at the age of 74.
Yunupingu, the Gumatj clan leader, was a major advocate for the rights of the Yolngu people, and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the country.
He was named Australian of the Year in 1978 for his work in negotiations over the Ranger Uranium Mine and Kakadu National Park.
Yunupingu was a long-term chairman of the Northern Land Council, representing traditional owners of the Northern Territory’s Top End. He also chaired the Gumatj Corporation and the Yothu Yindi Foundation which runs the annual Garma Festival in Gulkula, Arnhem Land.
Over the decades, Yunupingu also held a role of major political importance, with Prime Ministers from both sides of Australian politics turning to him for advice on Indigenous issues.
Throughout his lifetime, Yunupingu has fought for and led many Indigenous land rights cases.
Back in 2019, Yunupingu launched a $700 million compensation claim for his clan against the Commonwealth over acquisition of land on the Gove Peninsular in 1969, which became the site of the Nabalco mine. He also took part in the unsuccessful Gove land rights case against this mine years earlier. The mine was eventually taken over by Rio Tinto in 2007.
Yunupingu also helped draft the Yirrkala Bark Petition alongside his father. This petition was sent to the Australian Parliament in 1963 to assert the Yolngu people’s ownership of the land.
Yunupingu’s friends, family, and others close to him have provided emotional and heartfelt tributes about his life and legacy.
Klaus Helms and Djawa Yunupingu, Gumatj Corporation leaders, released a statement, saying, “As our founder and inaugural chairman, Yunupingu held a vision of self-determination for Yolngu people through employment and business development.
“He sought this future for his people, and he guided this company to its present state, building on the wealth of his people’s land, their knowledge of the land and their willingness to work for a future that is theirs.
“We will all miss him, not only as the head of the Gumatj clan or the chairman but as an outstanding leader and friend.”
