Death of a well known Australian who was Aboriginal

[Tjupurula]

Hi Swaggers
We have just been informed that a well known Australian has passed away.  He was Australian of the year a few years ago.
The lead singer of Yothu Yindi, who first name I can no longer use, passed away today from Kidney disorder.  He was the first Aboriginal Australian to get a University Degree in Education and become Head Master of his community school, he established the Yothu Yindi Foundation which allowed children with good grades and poor opportunities to go to University, which included some white kids as well, as he believed, quite rightly, that all kids need to be treated the same, no matter their background.
I never knew him as a famous person, but as a man who would sit, have a cuppa and yarn about what had been happening in the various areas and countries (black fella areas) that we had visited.
I will never forget him, therefore I wll never lose him.
Regards
Tjupurula

[Nay-DMAX]

I heard this on the news today and my thoughts first went to you and I wondered if you knew him.  Good you have wonderful memories of those yarns and cuppa's.

[StrvnMrvn]

Nice touch mate!

Being aboriginal, I was proud to see a man like him do as much as he did for his community and people!

[macca]

Sad news Tjupurula, I had heard he had being doing good work in his comunity, I hope his
legacy will continue

He could sing as well

[Tjupurula]

Sad news Tjupurula, I had heard he had being doing good work in his comunity, I hope his
legacy will continue

He could sing as well

Yes, he could sing, but his first love was his peple, his culture, and most importantly the education of his youth and children.
Regards
Tjupurula

[Tjupurula]

I heard this on the news today and my thoughts first went to you and I wondered if you knew him.  Good you have wonderful memories of those yarns and cuppa's.

In our way, if you do not forget someone, you do not lose them.  We cannot call their name again, as they may hear us and try to come back from the spirt world.  We use the work "Kumuntjai" for people who have passed away, but different tribes have different words of coursed
Regards
Tjupurula

[Nay-DMAX]

In our way, if you do not forget someone, you do not lose them.  We cannot call their name again, as they may hear us and try to come back from the spirt world.  We use the work "Kumuntjayi" for people who have passed away, but different tribes have different words of course.
Regards
Tjupurula

Thanks for sharing that with us.

[CRW]

People never cease to amaze, we all knew him as a great singer, but I didn't realise until yesterday when reading some facts on him, and his amazing self Educational achievements as well as his educational positions within the school environment he is an inspiration to all.


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[Snow]

To those of us who are not savvy to the ways and dreams of his world, his legacy will go on in his music. One of the best ways to reach the heart of this white fella. RIP

[Tjupurula]

People never cease to amaze, we all knew him as a great singer, but I didn't realise until yesterday when reading some facts on him, and his amazing self Educational achievements as well as his educational positions within the school environment he is an inspiration to all.


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One of te greatest lessons I learned as a younger fella was from him.  Kumuntjai taught me that if I wanted to be treated well, I need to show that to others by treating them how I should be treated.  That lesson has served me well.
Tjupurula

[Fozzle]

Sad day for the Yolgnu people. Today Australia lost a Music legend and Aussie Icon. I remember dancing like crazy at Blue Light Discos as a kid to Treaty! RIP.

[Teabag]

I only meet him once, many moons ago when my parents lived in Gove. He had a strong presence and mutual respect, you only had to watch him interact with people black or white to see he was respected and loved by all. I only spoke a few words with him to feel the passion he had for his people and love of this country. Australia is a lesser place without people like him though his legacy will prosper, of that I'm sure.

[CRW]

One of te greatest lessons I learned as a younger fella was from him.  Kumuntjai taught me that if I wanted to be treated well, I need to show that to others by treating them how I should be treated.  That lesson has served me well.
Tjupurula

That is so true in all cultures

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[brooky]

Sad news,


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[gclan]

Yes, a sad loss indeed.

I was lucky enough to visit the school in Yirrkala back when I was in primary school on Groote Eylandt, though it was long before the band got together, and well before he began teaching.

It is a beautiful place and I have very fond memories of the area. Every time I hear Yothu Yindi's music, it reminds me of my childhood and of Yirrkala.

[BigJules]

Respect. A great singer, and a great community man.

[crackacoldie]

Our condolences to all of his family and people.  A very inspirational man.

[Patr80l]

Too young at  56 years.   

Reminds me that C Perkins also died before his time from kidney disease in 2000.   We need to do better.   

ps, I think it was Mr Pekins who was the first aboriginal to obtain a university degree (BA, Sydney Uni 1965).   

[edz]

The ABC ran a documentary on Charley P today put together by his daughter, was quite interesting  ..

[Tjupurula]

Too young at  56 years.   

Reminds me that C Perkins also died before his time from kidney disease in 2000.   We need to do better.   

ps, I think it was Mr Pekins who was the first aboriginal to obtain a university degree (BA, Sydney Uni 1965).

Mr Perkins was awarded an honorary degree, whereas Kumuntjai studied for his.  They noth stioll had degrees though.

[noel_w]

Sad day indeed. May he R.I.P.

[Monkeybucket]

Great musician, teacher and leader.  Rest in Peace   

[Bigmacthepunker]

Sad news way too young.

[Wuzgonna]

Yesterday whilst i was driving, my 3 year old for the first time ever kept asking me to hear a didgeridoo music. (He struggles to pronounce it correctly). I put on the One Blood album and my son wanted to listen repeatedly.
This morning again in the car he requested the didgeridoo music.

Now I know why. Amazing coincidence or did he know something?

D

[Patr80l]

Mr Perkins was awarded an honorary degree, whereas Kumuntjai studied for his.  They noth stioll had degrees though.

I don't think you're right, but this thread is about Kumunjtjai and admiration and respect for him, so I won't labour the point.