4 years ago
DEATH OF ABORIGINAL LEADER, MR AH KIT
SENATOR PATRICK DODSON
We are deeply saddened by the news of the death yesterday of the Northern Territory Aboriginal leader, Mr John Ah Kit, and we extend our sincere condolences to his family.
At the Central Land Council, we both worked closely with Jak (as he was known), when he was Director of the Northern Land Council (1984-1990).
Our common causes were the promotion of a scheme for national land rights, and defence of the Commonwealth legislation which delivered land rights to Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory.
Jak went on to lead the Jawoyn Association, and in that role he campaigned successfully in the early 1990s against mining at Coronation Hill, in the Katherine region.
Later, as a Labor Party politician, Jak was the Northern Territory’s first Aboriginal cabinet minister in Clare Martin’s first Territory Labor government.
Jak was a larger than life character with a wicked sense of humour. At his heart he was totally committed to his family and his belief in justice for First Nations people. They have lost a tireless advocate, and he will be much missed.
He was a great Australian.
We have lost a great mate
At the Central Land Council, we both worked closely with Jak (as he was known), when he was Director of the Northern Land Council (1984-1990).
Our common causes were the promotion of a scheme for national land rights, and defence of the Commonwealth legislation which delivered land rights to Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory.
Jak went on to lead the Jawoyn Association, and in that role he campaigned successfully in the early 1990s against mining at Coronation Hill, in the Katherine region.
Later, as a Labor Party politician, Jak was the Northern Territory’s first Aboriginal cabinet minister in Clare Martin’s first Territory Labor government.
Jak was a larger than life character with a wicked sense of humour. At his heart he was totally committed to his family and his belief in justice for First Nations people. They have lost a tireless advocate, and he will be much missed.
He was a great Australian.
We have lost a great mate