27 May 2004
Great advocate for Indigenous affairs mourned
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Dr Bill Jonas today expressed sadness at the death of one of Australia’s most prominent Indigenous leaders, Mr Djerrkura.
The former Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission leader died from a heart attack yesterday in the Northern Territory's East Arnhem Land at the age of 54.
“Mr Djerrkura was a great advocate for Indigenous affairs throughout his life, and I, like many Australians, am deeply saddened by this loss,” said Commissioner Jonas.
A dedicated man to his people and to the public, Mr Djerrkura was a senior elder of the Wangurri clan in East Arnhem Land and ATSIC chairman from December 1996 until 1999.
He also held a number of other positions, including the director of the Board of the Indigenous Land Corporation, a member of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation and a board member of the National Australia Day Council.
“Right up to the end he fought to preserve our rights and advance the position of Indigenous people through economic development,” Dr Jonas said.
“His passing on National Sorry Day is very sad, for he was one of the pioneers of the reconciliation movement.
“It is also poignant that he died the day before legislation was introduced into parliament to abolish Australia's peak indigenous body (ATSIC), which he chaired for three years.”
He was awarded the Medal in the General Division of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 1984 for service to the Aboriginal community.
“On behalf of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission I would like to send my deep and sincere condolences to the Djerrkura family,” the Commissioner said.
Media Contact: Paul Oliver (02) 9284 9677 or 0408 469 347
Last updated 27 May 2004.
