IN PICTURES: NT farewells sea rights advocate Dr Bush-Blanasi in emotional state funeral
Loved ones have peeled back the layers of a respected land rights campaigner and leader, sharing their stories of a cheeky, hilarious and stubborn Territorian. See the pictures.
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this article contains the names and images of Indigenous people who have passed, used with the permission of their families.
The Territory has lost one of its most powerful voices for Aboriginal empowerment, but loved ones have promised that the legacy and spirit of the late Dr Bush-Blanasi will continue to inspire change for his people.
More than a thousand people attended the state funeral for Dr Bush-Blanasi on Friday, farewelling the 61-year-old Yolŋu and Mayili leader who passed away in November at Royal Darwin Hospital after a short illness.
Dr Bush-Blanasi’s casket was draped in the Blue Mud Bay Sea Rights flag — a testament to his fight for sea country rights in Arnhem Land — before his body began its 400km journey to his final resting place in his home community of Wugularr (Beswick).
The 61-year-old was known to the public as the long-serving Northern Land Council chair, 2023 Australian of the Year and instrumental figure in the landmark Blue Mud Bay Agreement, but in a moving ceremony in Marrara his loved ones revealed another intimate side of the Territory identity.
Conway Wirrpanda-Blanasi said he had a “heavy heart” in honouring his brother’s legacy as a “a true champion” who left “ an incredible mark on the landscape of Indigenous rights and empowerment.”
But away from the activist and leader, Mr Wirrpanda-Blanasi wanted to remember his brother’s echoing laughter, long stories and his care for his family.
“His love is a testament to the belief that the support of family and friends was a bedrock upon which any meaningful change could be built,” he said.
“His dedication to land rights and Indigenous empowerment was not a solitary journey but one fuelled by the collective love and encouragement and those closest to him.”
Jawoyn leader Lisa Mumbin said she remembered her son not just as a “stubborn” fighter, but as a jokester and cheeky friend whose antics could turn the serious Northern Land Council meetings into “a playground”.
Ms Mumbin said the toll of advocacy took an early toll on Aboriginal leaders — and like too many others her son was taken before his time.
“A lot of you need to understand our working time, our leadership that we put towards our people, our community, our country matters most,” she said.
“We sacrifice our time. We sacrifice our life.
“We don’t just work from eight or seven to four or five o’clock. It’s 24/7 working time for us as Aboriginal leaders.”
Ms Mumbin said her son gave too much of himself in his fight for land and sea rights, and then in his campaign for the Voice to parliament
“The failure of that Voice that shows how this country is,” she said.
“But we Aboriginal people continue to fight, fight through for our rights.”
Samir Raut said while Dr Bush Blanasi was known as one of “the most influential and impactful Indigenous leaders of this generation”, to his family he would simply be “Uncle”, the friend who popped by without any notice, and the colleague who drank chai and was “obsessed” with Bollywood movies.
“I miss him when I go to work in the morning, when I see the empty chair in the board meetings,” Mr Raut said.
“There’s an empty spot in my house and the phone stops ringing, knowing he is never going to talk again.”
Federal and Territory leaders also paid respect to Dr Bush-Blanasi — who they had all faced as a friend, rival, ally and mentor.
Arnhem MLA Selena Uibo said she knew the light of his laughter, but also the power of his “growl” when she as the Aboriginal Affairs minister found herself on the wrong side of the Northern Land Council chair.
As the Numbulwar Red Flag Dancers started to play the yidaki, Ms Uibo said their call would “sing his spirit back to that beautiful sea country that he loved and fought for”.
Chief Minister Natasha Fyles’ voice cracked as she remembered the 61-year-old as a “remarkable man”, whose tireless advocate and unwavering dedication had changed the course of Territory history.
She said the Yolngu man’s connection to his saltwater country was “ingrained in the very essence of his being” and this culminated in the famous Blue Mud Bay agreement.
“May his spirit continue to guide us as we carry forward on these issues, and his vision of the world where every individual is empowered to meet their potential,” Ms Fyles said.
DR BUSH BLANASI STATE FUNERAL IN PICTURES
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Originally published as IN PICTURES: NT farewells sea rights advocate Dr Bush-Blanasi in emotional state funeral
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