Tributes flow for Lorna ‘Nanna Nungala’ Fejo

Lorna ‘Nanna Nungala’ Fejo’s family is finalising her funeral details as more leaders come forward to remember the Warumungu woman.

UPDATE: THE funeral of beloved Territory woman Lorna ‘Nanna Nungala’ Fejo will be held this week, as more people remember her impact on the nation.

The memorial will be held this Friday at 1.30pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Lorna’s daughter Christine Fejo-King said she was in the process of writing her mother’s eulogy, and was revisiting childhood memories.

“We had so much fun growing up, we had music every weekend,” she said.

“Yes she was always working but she always made us important in her life.

“I think her greatest legacy is her children and her grandchildren and the other legacy she’s left with us is pride in our heritage, pride in our family,” she said.

Federal Minister for Indigenous Affairs Ken Wyatt has also paid his respects to the Warumungu woman over the weekend.

“I offer my sincerest condolences to the family of Nanna Nungala Fejo, a kind and gentle soul whose strength contributed immensely to the nation’s healing,” he wrote.

“Nanna Nungala was a beacon of light and hope amidst the despair and suffering of the Stolen Generations.

“(She) was a strong and collaborative advocate for all Indigenous Australians, extending her work on behalf of the Stolen Generations to significantly improve Aboriginal health and wellbeing overall.”

EARLIER, SATURDAY: LORNA ‘Nanna Nungala’ Fejo has passed away, aged 91.

The proud Warumungu woman is perhaps best known for being the member of Stolen Generations mentioned in Kevin Rudd’s apology speech in 2008.

Her son and Darwin identity Richard Fejo shared the news on social media.

“Rest in Peace mum: I will always carry you with me,” he wrote on Twitter.

“Rest now mum, you have more than earned your place in heaven.”

Rest In Peace mum: I will always carry you with me. Rest now mum, you have more than earned your place in heaven. pic.twitter.com/rsrxittpkh

— Richard Fejo (The Larrakia Man) (@RichardFejo) February 25, 2022

Lorna was one of the first recipients of the Chief Minister’s Women’s Achievement Award in 1998.

Federal MP Luke Gosling has also remembered Lorna with a moving tribute on Twitter.

“This beautiful wet season morning is without a wonderful person, vale Lorna ‘Nanna Nungala’ Fejo,” he wrote.

Kevin Rudd also paid his respects on the platform.

For those who have been part of the National Apology to Indigenous Australians, you will know the story of Nanna Nangala Fejo—one of the Stolen Generations. I told her story in the Apology. Nanna Fejo passed away on Friday at the grand age of 91. Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/qss3tPB5JV

— Kevin Rudd (@MrKRudd) February 25, 2022

Her family has granted permission to use her image.