Hundreds gather to honour Aboriginal trailblazer John Ah Kit at state funeral

HUNDREDS of family and friends along with some of the biggest names in NT politics packed into TIO Stadium today for a state funeral to farewell Aboriginal trailblazer John “JAK” Ah Kit

The late John Ah Kit, who was a former sports minister, getting a feel of the newly turfed Marrara stadium in 2002. Picture: Clive Hyde

HUNDREDS of family and friends along with some of the biggest names in NT politics packed into TIO Stadium today for a state funeral to farewell Aboriginal trailblazer John “JAK” Ah Kit.

JAK was the Territory’s first Aboriginal cabinet minister and died in Royal Darwin Hospital on July 12, aged 69, after a period of ill-health.

John Ah Kit was farewelled at a state funeral at TIO Stadium by many hundreds of mourners. Picture: Che Chorley

Crowds gathered to pay their respects to him at a moving funeral service on Wednesday, a date that would have been his 70th birthday.

Jawoyn leader Lisa Mumbin said JAK had truly been a “groundbreaking leader” for Aboriginal Territorians.

“No one could stop him, and no one could stand in his way,” she said.

“He was a special brother to me and also an important leader and a mentor to me and generations of Jowoyn leaders.

“He supported us in our land claim over Nitmiluk.

“It was a long battle that went on for more than 10 years with very strong opposition, but he never stopped working along side us.”

Hundreds of people gather in the stands of TIO Stadium to remember John Ah Kit at his state funeral. Picture: Che Chorley

Chief Minister Michael Gunner delivered a moving eulogy, reminiscing about his time working for JAK when he was the member for Arnhem.

“When I worked as his chief of staff we’d sit out on the balcony of Parliament House some afternoons, having a beer,” he said.

“As a politician, I thought of JAK like Tony Lockett, the greatest full-forward. Not the fittest man on the ground but he owned his spot and gave no ground.

“If I was asked to name a true Darwinite, a true Territorian. The name I’d give is John Ah Kit.”

Chief Minister Michael Gunner gives a eulogy at JAK's funeral. Picture: Che Chorley

Veteran Territory broadcaster Charlie King also said a few words at the service.

“He was forceful and determined. In some ways, he was our Aboriginal Gough Whitlam,” he said.

Born in Alice Springs on July 22, 1950, JAK was elected as Labor member for Arnhem in 1995 and became the NTs first Aboriginal cabinet minister in the Martin Labor Government in 2001, a position he held until retiring in 2005. JAK was also the director of the Northern Land Council from 1984-1990 and director of the Jawoyn Association from 1991-1995.

His daughter, Ngaree Ah Kit, is the current Labor member for Karama.

Senator Patrick Dodson speaks at John Ah Kit's state funeral. Picture: Che Chorley

Originally published as Hundreds gather to honour Aboriginal trailblazer John Ah Kit at state funeral