Bäpurru burrwurr’yun, marŋi’guma bukmak’nha yolŋu’na
Vale Yunupiŋu
30 June 1948 – 3 April 2023
Bäpurru burrwurr’yun, marŋi’guma bukmak’nha yolŋu’na
Vale Yunupiŋu
30 June 1947 – 3 April 2023
Bäpurru burrwurr’yun, marŋi’guma bukmak’nha yolŋu’na
Vale Yunupiŋu
30 June 1948 – 3 April 2023
Permissions and Protocols
All content has been approved for public use by the family.
Please use the name Yunupingu.
Please use only the images provided.
Permissions and Protocols
All content has been approved for public use by the family.
Please use the name Yunupingu.
Please use only the images provided.
Permissions and Protocols
All content has been approved for public use by the family.
Please use the name Yunupingu.
Please use only the images provided.
Yunupiŋu Family Statement
Yunupiŋu Maralitja Bapurra Dhukulu
Today we mourn with deep love and great sadness the passing of our dearly loved father Yunupiŋu.
The holder of our sacred fire, the leader of our clan and the path-maker to our future.
The loss to our family and community is profound. We are hurting, but we honour him and remember with love everything he has done for us.
We remember him for his fierce leadership, and total strength for Yolŋu and for Aboriginal people throughout Australia. He lived by our laws always.
Yunupiŋu lived his entire life on his land, surrounded by the sound of bilma (clapsticks), yidaki (didgeridoo) and the manikay (sacred song) and dhulang (sacred designs) of our people. He was born on our land, he lived all his life on our land and he died on our land secure in the knowledge that his life’s work was secure.
He had friendship and loyalty to so many people, at all levels, from all places.
Our father was driven by a vision for the future of this nation, his people’s place in the nation and the rightful place for Aboriginal people everywhere.
In leaving us, we know that Dad’s loss will be felt in many hearts and minds. We ask you to mourn his passing in your own way, but we as a family encourage you to rejoice in the gift of his life and leadership.
There will never be another like him.
In time we will announce the dates for bäpurru (ceremonies) that will see him returned to his land and to his fathers. These ceremonies will be held in North Eastern Arnhem Land.
We ask the media to respect our grieving space over the coming weeks as we put together ceremonial arrangements to honour Dad.
Instead of flowers, we invite those of you who were touched by Dad’s fire to share with us your personal recollections and memories of his life. This will lift our spirits.
Thank you.
Binmila Yunupiŋu
(Daughter)
3 April 2023
Yunupiŋu Family Statement
Yunupiŋu Maralitja Bapurra Dhukulu
Today we mourn with deep love and great sadness the passing of our dearly loved father Yunupiŋu.
The holder of our sacred fire, the leader of our clan and the path-maker to our future.
The loss to our family and community is profound. We are hurting, but we honour him and remember with love everything he has done for us.
We remember him for his fierce leadership, and total strength for Yolŋu and for Aboriginal people throughout Australia. He lived by our laws always.
Yunupiŋu lived his entire life on his land, surrounded by the sound of bilma (clapsticks), yidaki (didgeridoo) and the manikay (sacred song) and dhulang (sacred designs) of our people. He was born on our land, he lived all his life on our land and he died on our land secure in the knowledge that his life’s work was secure.
He had friendship and loyalty to so many people, at all levels, from all places.
Our father was driven by a vision for the future of this nation, his people’s place in the nation and the rightful place for Aboriginal people everywhere.
In leaving us, we know that Dad’s loss will be felt in many hearts and minds. We ask you to mourn his passing in your own way, but we as a family encourage you to rejoice in the gift of his life and leadership.
There will never be another like him.
In time we will announce the dates for bäpurru (ceremonies) that will see him returned to his land and to his fathers. These ceremonies will be held in North Eastern Arnhem Land.
We ask the media to respect our grieving space over the coming weeks as we put together ceremonial arrangements to honour Dad.
Instead of flowers, we invite those of you who were touched by Dad’s fire to share with us your personal recollections and memories of his life. This will lift our spirits.
Thank you.
Binmila Yunupiŋu
(Daughter)
3 April 2023
Yunupiŋu Family Statement
Yunupiŋu Maralitja Bapurra Dhukulu
Today we mourn with deep love and great sadness the passing of our dearly loved father Yunupiŋu.
The holder of our sacred fire, the leader of our clan and the path-maker to our future.
The loss to our family and community is profound. We are hurting, but we honour him and remember with love everything he has done for us.
We remember him for his fierce leadership, and total strength for Yolŋu and for Aboriginal people throughout Australia. He lived by our laws always.
Yunupiŋu lived his entire life on his land, surrounded by the sound of bilma (clapsticks), yidaki (didgeridoo) and the manikay (sacred song) and dhulang (sacred designs) of our people. He was born on our land, he lived all his life on our land and he died on our land secure in the knowledge that his life’s work was secure.
He had friendship and loyalty to so many people, at all levels, from all places.
Our father was driven by a vision for the future of this nation, his people’s place in the nation and the rightful place for Aboriginal people everywhere.
In leaving us, we know that Dad’s loss will be felt in many hearts and minds. We ask you to mourn his passing in your own way, but we as a family encourage you to rejoice in the gift of his life and leadership.
There will never be another like him.
In time we will announce the dates for bäpurru (ceremonies) that will see him returned to his land and to his fathers. These ceremonies will be held in North Eastern Arnhem Land.
We ask the media to respect our grieving space over the coming weeks as we put together ceremonial arrangements to honour Dad.
Instead of flowers, we invite those of you who were touched by Dad’s fire to share with us your personal recollections and memories of his life. This will lift our spirits.
Thank you.
Binmila Yunupiŋu
(Daughter)
3 April 2023
The Yothu Yindi Foundation mourns the passing of Gumatj leader, Yunupiŋu.
Yunupiŋu was a master of the ceremonies and a keeper of the songlines of the Yolŋu people. He held the deep backbone names of the country and the sacred knowledge of his people.
His totems were fire, rock and bäru (saltwater crocodile), and his name means the sacred rock that stands against time.
He starts his journey now to be reunited with his fathers and his kin, who await him in the hearth of his sacred Gumatj country.
He returns to where he began, born on sacred Yolŋu country in North East Arnhem Land, not knowing Europeans until his early childhood, living with the rhythm of life, the balance of the land, the water, the sacred winds and the ceremonies – he returns now to his ancestors.
A giant of the nation whose contribution to public life spanned 7 decades, he was first and foremost a leader of his people, whose welfare was his most pressing concern and responsibility.
A pioneer of the Land Rights movement and Aboriginal rights more broadly, he spoke for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people when they were voiceless, working with leaders from throughout the country to return Indigenous people to their rightful place.
With Yolŋu leaders, he led the revival of the homelands movement in the 1970’s and the emergence of the Land Rights movement throughout Australia.
His name is synonymous with some of the nation’s most significant events – the Yirrkala Bark Petitions, the Gove Land Rights case, the Land Rights Act, the Barunga Statement, the Native Title Act and the Voice.
Although his influence reached the farthest boundaries of the country, he lived his entire life in Yirrkala and Gunyaŋara, among his people.
He met Prime Minister Robert Menzies with his father in the 1960’s when Cabinet met to announce the Gove Bauxite Mine, and dealt personally with every Prime Minister since Whitlam.
Many promises were made, none were delivered in full. As a sovereign man of his clan nation he was left disappointed by them all.
In 2022 he responded to Prime Minister Albanese’s commitment to the Voice asking whether his commitment was “serious”. He was told it was. This promise has been kept.
As chairman of the Yothu Yindi Foundation, he made education the primary focus of its work, and in recent years oversaw the establishment of the Dhupuma Barker junior school in Gunyaŋara, and the Garma Institute, realising a long-held dream by community leaders for world-class education facilities in northeast Arnhem Land.
With his Yolŋu kin he gifted the nation the Garma Festival, which showcased Yolŋu miny-tji (art) bunggul (dance), manikay (song) and story-telling to a national audience, and which today leads discussion and debate of issues affecting Yolŋu and other Indigenous people.
He won a string of awards but never sought recognition or accolades for his work.
He established a suite of sustainable large and small business in the region which supported local employment, including a cattle station, a timber mill, and a nursery, and in recent years set up the Gumatj-owned Gulkula Bauxite Mine – the first Aboriginal owned and operated mine in the country.
In 2022, he oversaw the establishment of the Gulkula Space Base and its partnership with NASA.
He lived and died in the arms of his family, and they in his arms. He is Yolŋu first and Yolŋu forever.
Always in our hearts. Rest in Peace.
Denise Bowden
Chief Executive Officer
3 April 2023
The Yothu Yindi Foundation mourns the passing of Gumatj leader, Yunupiŋu.
Yunupiŋu was a master of the ceremonies and a keeper of the songlines of the Yolŋu people. He held the deep backbone names of the country and the sacred knowledge of his people.
His totems were fire, rock and bäru (saltwater crocodile), and his name means the sacred rock that stands against time.
He starts his journey now to be reunited with his fathers and his kin, who await him in the hearth of his sacred Gumatj country.
He returns to where he began, born on sacred Yolŋu country in North East Arnhem Land, not knowing Europeans until his early childhood, living with the rhythm of life, the balance of the land, the water, the sacred winds and the ceremonies – he returns now to his ancestors.
A giant of the nation whose contribution to public life spanned 7 decades, he was first and foremost a leader of his people, whose welfare was his most pressing concern and responsibility.
A pioneer of the Land Rights movement and Aboriginal rights more broadly, he spoke for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people when they were voiceless, working with leaders from throughout the country to return Indigenous people to their rightful place.
With Yolŋu leaders, he led the revival of the homelands movement in the 1970’s and the emergence of the Land Rights movement throughout Australia.
His name is synonymous with some of the nation’s most significant events – the Yirrkala Bark Petitions, the Gove Land Rights case, the Land Rights Act, the Barunga Statement, the Native Title Act and the Voice.
Although his influence reached the farthest boundaries of the country, he lived his entire life in Yirrkala and Gunyaŋara, among his people.
He met Prime Minister Robert Menzies with his father in the 1960’s when Cabinet met to announce the Gove Bauxite Mine, and dealt personally with every Prime Minister since Whitlam.
Many promises were made, none were delivered in full. As a sovereign man of his clan nation he was left disappointed by them all.
In 2022 he responded to Prime Minister Albanese’s commitment to the Voice asking whether his commitment was “serious”. He was told it was. This promise has been kept.
As chairman of the Yothu Yindi Foundation, he made education the primary focus of its work, and in recent years oversaw the establishment of the Dhupuma Barker junior school in Gunyaŋara, and the Garma Institute, realising a long-held dream by community leaders for world-class education facilities in northeast Arnhem Land.
With his Yolŋu kin he gifted the nation the Garma Festival, which showcased Yolŋu miny-tji (art) bunggul (dance), manikay (song) and story-telling to a national audience, and which today leads discussion and debate of issues affecting Yolŋu and other Indigenous people.
He won a string of awards but never sought recognition or accolades for his work.
He established a suite of sustainable large and small business in the region which supported local employment, including a cattle station, a timber mill, and a nursery, and in recent years set up the Gumatj-owned Gulkula Bauxite Mine – the first Aboriginal owned and operated mine in the country.
In 2022, he oversaw the establishment of the Gulkula Space Base and its partnership with NASA.
He lived and died in the arms of his family, and they in his arms. He is Yolŋu first and Yolŋu forever.
Always in our hearts. Rest in Peace.
Denise Bowden
Chief Executive Officer
3 April 2023
The Yothu Yindi Foundation mourns the passing of Gumatj leader, Yunupiŋu.
Yunupiŋu was a master of the ceremonies and a keeper of the songlines of the Yolŋu people. He held the deep backbone names of the country and the sacred knowledge of his people.
His totems were fire, rock and bäru (saltwater crocodile), and his name means the sacred rock that stands against time.
He starts his journey now to be reunited with his fathers and his kin, who await him in the hearth of his sacred Gumatj country.
He returns to where he began, born on sacred Yolŋu country in North East Arnhem Land, not knowing Europeans until his early childhood, living with the rhythm of life, the balance of the land, the water, the sacred winds and the ceremonies – he returns now to his ancestors.
A giant of the nation whose contribution to public life spanned 7 decades, he was first and foremost a leader of his people, whose welfare was his most pressing concern and responsibility.
A pioneer of the Land Rights movement and Aboriginal rights more broadly, he spoke for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people when they were voiceless, working with leaders from throughout the country to return Indigenous people to their rightful place.
With Yolŋu leaders, he led the revival of the homelands movement in the 1970’s and the emergence of the Land Rights movement throughout Australia.
His name is synonymous with some of the nation’s most significant events – the Yirrkala Bark Petitions, the Gove Land Rights case, the Land Rights Act, the Barunga Statement, the Native Title Act and the Voice.
Although his influence reached the farthest boundaries of the country, he lived his entire life in Yirrkala and Gunyaŋara, among his people.
He met Prime Minister Robert Menzies with his father in the 1960’s when Cabinet met to announce the Gove Bauxite Mine, and dealt personally with every Prime Minister since Whitlam.
Many promises were made, none were delivered in full. As a sovereign man of his clan nation he was left disappointed by them all.
In 2022 he responded to Prime Minister Albanese’s commitment to the Voice asking whether his commitment was “serious”. He was told it was. This promise has been kept.
As chairman of the Yothu Yindi Foundation, he made education the primary focus of its work, and in recent years oversaw the establishment of the Dhupuma Barker junior school in Gunyaŋara, and the Garma Institute, realising a long-held dream by community leaders for world-class education facilities in northeast Arnhem Land.
With his Yolŋu kin he gifted the nation the Garma Festival, which showcased Yolŋu miny-tji (art) bunggul (dance), manikay (song) and story-telling to a national audience, and which today leads discussion and debate of issues affecting Yolŋu and other Indigenous people.
He won a string of awards but never sought recognition or accolades for his work.
He established a suite of sustainable large and small business in the region which supported local employment, including a cattle station, a timber mill, and a nursery, and in recent years set up the Gumatj-owned Gulkula Bauxite Mine – the first Aboriginal owned and operated mine in the country.
In 2022, he oversaw the establishment of the Gulkula Space Base and its partnership with NASA.
He lived and died in the arms of his family, and they in his arms. He is Yolŋu first and Yolŋu forever.
Always in our hearts. Rest in Peace.
Denise Bowden
Chief Executive Officer
3 April 2023
The Board of Gumatj Corporation its staff and employees pass on their condolences to the family of the late Yunupiŋu.
As our Founder and Inaugural Chairman, Yunupiŋu held a vision of self-determination for Yolŋu people through employment and business development. He believed that Yolŋu people, like all of us, were economic beings.
He saw welfare as poison for his people. His view was that welfare anchored his people to a future without independence and to a life controlled by government.
His drive, leadership and mentoring never wavering from this vision. Without our Chairman we would never have achieved the solid foundation we have built.
He sought this future for his people, and he guided this company to its present state, building on the wealth of his people’s land, their knowledge of the land and their willingness to work for a future that is theirs.
We will all miss him, not only as the head of the Gumatj clan or the Chairman but as an outstanding leader and friend.
Chairman: Djawa Yunupiŋu
Chief Executive Officer: Klaus Helms
3 April 2023
The Board of Gumatj Corporation its staff and employees pass on their condolences to the family of the late Yunupiŋu.
As our Founder and Inaugural Chairman, Yunupiŋu held a vision of self-determination for Yolŋu people through employment and business development. He believed that Yolŋu people, like all of us, were economic beings.
He saw welfare as poison for his people. His view was that welfare anchored his people to a future without independence and to a life controlled by government.
His drive, leadership and mentoring never wavering from this vision. Without our Chairman we would never have achieved the solid foundation we have built.
He sought this future for his people, and he guided this company to its present state, building on the wealth of his people’s land, their knowledge of the land and their willingness to work for a future that is theirs.
We will all miss him, not only as the head of the Gumatj clan or the Chairman but as an outstanding leader and friend.
Chairman: Djawa Yunupiŋu
Chief Executive Officer: Klaus Helms
3 April 2023
The Board of Gumatj Corporation its staff and employees pass on their condolences to the family of the late Yunupiŋu.
As our Founder and Inaugural Chairman, Yunupiŋu held a vision of self-determination for Yolŋu people through employment and business development. He believed that Yolŋu people, like all of us, were economic beings.
He saw welfare as poison for his people. His view was that welfare anchored his people to a future without independence and to a life controlled by government.
His drive, leadership and mentoring never wavering from this vision. Without our Chairman we would never have achieved the solid foundation we have built.
He sought this future for his people, and he guided this company to its present state, building on the wealth of his people’s land, their knowledge of the land and their willingness to work for a future that is theirs.
We will all miss him, not only as the head of the Gumatj clan or the Chairman but as an outstanding leader and friend.
Chairman: Djawa Yunupiŋu
Chief Executive Officer: Klaus Helms
3 April 2023
The family of Yunupingu would like to advise that ceremonies to honour the late Gumatj clan leader will commence on 12 May in Gunyangara, Gove, Northeast Arnhem Land.
These ceremonies will be led by Yolngu clan leaders who have responsibility for the deceased at this important stage of his life’s journey.
A public memorial will be held in Gunyangara between 1:30pm – 3:30pm on Thursday 18 May, at which family and friends will have the opportunity to pay their respects.
The burial of Yunupingu will take place on Wednesday 24 May, and will be a private occasion for family only.
The family have asked that media continue to respect their privacy and not travel to Arnhem Land during this time, including for the memorial on 18 May.
Subject to final approval from the family, footage and photographs from the memorial will be shared with media for broadcast.
Airnorth have added flights to Gove on 18 May for guests attending the memorial – please visit airnorth.com.au to book.
Accomodation in Gove is already booked out so guests should arrange their travel to arrive and depart on the 18th.
The family of Yunupingu would like to advise that ceremonies to honour the late Gumatj clan leader will commence on 12 May in Gunyangara, Gove, Northeast Arnhem Land.
These ceremonies will be led by Yolngu clan leaders who have responsibility for the deceased at this important stage of his life’s journey.
A public memorial will be held in Gunyangara between 1:30pm – 3:30pm on Thursday 18 May, at which family and friends will have the opportunity to pay their respects.
The burial of Yunupingu will take place on Wednesday 24 May, and will be a private occasion for family only.
The family have asked that media continue to respect their privacy and not travel to Arnhem Land during this time, including for the memorial on 18 May.
Subject to final approval from the family, footage and photographs from the memorial will be shared with media for broadcast.
Airnorth have added flights to Gove on 18 May for guests attending the memorial – please visit airnorth.com.au to book.
Accomodation in Gove is already booked out so guests should arrange their travel to arrive and depart on the 18th.
The family of Yunupingu would like to advise that ceremonies to honour the late Gumatj clan leader will commence on 12 May in Gunyangara, Gove, Northeast Arnhem Land.
These ceremonies will be led by Yolngu clan leaders who have responsibility for the deceased at this important stage of his life’s journey.
A public memorial will be held in Gunyangara between 1:30pm – 3:30pm on Thursday 18 May, at which family and friends will have the opportunity to pay their respects.
The burial of Yunupingu will take place on Wednesday 24 May, and will be a private occasion for family only.
The family have asked that media continue to respect their privacy and not travel to Arnhem Land during this time, including for the memorial on 18 May.
Subject to final approval from the family, footage and photographs from the memorial will be shared with media for broadcast.
Airnorth have added flights to Gove on 18 May for guests attending the memorial – please visit airnorth.com.au to book.
Accomodation in Gove is already booked out so guests should arrange their travel to arrive and depart on the 18th.
Biography & Achievements
Born
30 June, 1948, in Gunyaŋara, North East Arnhem Land
Father
Mungurrawuy Yunupiŋu (c. 1905 – 1979) – Gumatj clan
Mother
Mäkurrngu – Galpu clan
Clan
Gumatj
Totems
1954 – 1965
Yirrkala Mission School.
1963
Assisted in the drafting of the Yirrkala Bark Petitions, which was signed by his father Mungarrawuy Yunupiŋu and his father’s brother, Djalalingba Yunupiŋu.
1966 – 1967
Methodist Bible College (Brisbane).
1967
Returns to Arnhem Land after attending Methodist Bible College in Brisbane, appointed as first Sport and Recreation Officer at Dhupuma College.
1968 – 1971
Court interpreter during the historic Gove Land Rights case (Milirrpum v Nabalco Pty Ltd).
1973/4
Joins Northern Land Council (NLC), acts as adviser to Sir Edward Woodward in the Whitlam Government’s Royal Commission into Land Rights in the Northern Territory.
1975/6
Works with Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser to ensure the enactment of the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976.
1977
Elected first chairman of the NLC.
1977/78
Following the Fox Royal Commission into Uranium Mining, heads the negotiation of the Ranger Mining Agreement.
1978
Named Australian of the Year.
1979
Resigns as chairman of the NLC following the death of his father, focusing on the ceremonial rites for his father. Takes on the role of Gumatj clan leader.
1981
Moves his immediate family to Gunyaŋara, where he establishes a living area for Gumatj people and their kin.
1983
Re-elected as Chairman of the NLC, a position he holds until his retirement in 2004.
1985
Awarded an Order of Australia Medal.
1988
Helps write, paint and present the Barunga Statement to Prime Minister Bob Hawke at the Barunga Festival, along with Aboriginal leaders from across the Northern Territory.
1990
Establishes the Yothu Yindi Foundation with brother Dr M Yunupiŋu and other clan leaders.
1993
Convenes historic Eva Valley Meeting to respond to the Mabo decision. Presents Eva Valley Statement to Prime Minister Paul Keating in August 1993 calling for Commonwealth legislation and a Native Title Act.
1998
Named one of Australia’s National Living Treasures by the National Trust of Australia.
1999
Establishes the Garma Festival with his brother, Dr M Yunupiŋu.
2004
Retires as Chairman of the NLC.
2006
Commences negotiations with Rio Tinto Alcan for renewal of mining leases on the Gove Peninsula which are due to expire in 2011.
2007
Returns to public life after the announcement of the Emergency Intervention into the Northern Territory.
Delivers landmark speech at University of Melbourne calling for constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
2008
Presents petition to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd at Yirrkala calling for constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
2011
Signs historic 42-year Gove Agreement with Rio Tinto Alcan – the first negotiated agreement with Traditional Owners since mining began on the Gove Peninsula.
2012
Hosts Prime Minister Julia Gillard at Yirrkala for the public signing of the Gove Mining Agreement.
2014
Opens the Garma Knowledge Centre at Gulkula.
2014
Hosts Prime Minister Tony Abbott and members of the national Cabinet for 5 days in North East Arnhem Land. The Prime Minister lives at Gulkula during this period.
2015
Is invested with an Honorary Doctor of Law, University of Melbourne during a ceremony at the Garma Festival.
2017
Hosts Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten at Garma.
Signs historic 99-year Township Lease for Gunyaŋara.
2018
Establishes the Gumatj-owned Gulkula Bauxite Mine – the first Aboriginal owned and operated mine in Australia.
2019
Appointed to Senior Advisory Group on the Voice to Parliament.
2019
Launches landmark Federal Court action against the Commonwealth under the Native Title Act 1992 and Section 51(31) of the Australian Constitution, alleging the acquisition of Gumatj native title rights and interests for mining in 1968 was unlawful and done without ‘just terms’.
2022
Oversees the establishment of the Gulkula Space Base in partnership with Equatorial Launch Australia and NASA.
Hosts Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the Garma Festival, where the PM delivers his landmark referendum speech.
Biography & Achievements
Born
30 June, 1948, in Gunyaŋara, North East Arnhem Land
Father
Mungurrawuy Yunupiŋu (c. 1905 – 1979) – Gumatj clan
Mother
Mäkurrngu – Galpu clan
Clan
Gumatj
Totems
1954 – 1965
Yirrkala Mission School.
1963
Assisted in the drafting of the Yirrkala Bark Petitions, which was signed by his father Mungarrawuy Yunupiŋu and his father’s brother, Djalalingba Yunupiŋu.
1966 – 1967
Methodist Bible College (Brisbane).
1967
Returns to Arnhem Land after attending Methodist Bible College in Brisbane, appointed as first Sport and Recreation Officer at Dhupuma College.
1968 – 1971
Court interpreter during the historic Gove Land Rights case (Milirrpum v Nabalco Pty Ltd).
1973/4
Joins Northern Land Council (NLC), acts as adviser to Sir Edward Woodward in the Whitlam Government’s Royal Commission into Land Rights in the Northern Territory.
1975/6
Works with Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser to ensure the enactment of the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976.
1977
Elected first chairman of the NLC.
1977/78
Following the Fox Royal Commission into Uranium Mining, heads the negotiation of the Ranger Mining Agreement.
1978
Named Australian of the Year.
1979
Resigns as chairman of the NLC following the death of his father, focusing on the ceremonial rites for his father. Takes on the role of Gumatj clan leader.
1981
Moves his immediate family to Gunyaŋara, where he establishes a living area for Gumatj people and their kin.
1983
Re-elected as Chairman of the NLC, a position he holds until his retirement in 2004.
1985
Awarded an Order of Australia Medal.
1988
Helps write, paint and present the Barunga Statement to Prime Minister Bob Hawke at the Barunga Festival, along with Aboriginal leaders from across the Northern Territory.
1990
Establishes the Yothu Yindi Foundation with brother Dr M Yunupiŋu and other clan leaders.
1993
Convenes historic Eva Valley Meeting to respond to the Mabo decision. Presents Eva Valley Statement to Prime Minister Paul Keating in August 1993 calling for Commonwealth legislation and a Native Title Act.
1998
Named one of Australia’s National Living Treasures by the National Trust of Australia.
1999
Establishes the Garma Festival with his brother, Dr M Yunupiŋu.
2004
Retires as Chairman of the NLC.
2006
Commences negotiations with Rio Tinto Alcan for renewal of mining leases on the Gove Peninsula which are due to expire in 2011.
2007
Returns to public life after the announcement of the Emergency Intervention into the Northern Territory.
Delivers landmark speech at University of Melbourne calling for constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
2008
Presents petition to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd at Yirrkala calling for constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
2011
Signs historic 42-year Gove Agreement with Rio Tinto Alcan – the first negotiated agreement with Traditional Owners since mining began on the Gove Peninsula.
2012
Hosts Prime Minister Julia Gillard at Yirrkala for the public signing of the Gove Mining Agreement.
2014
Opens the Garma Knowledge Centre at Gulkula.
2014
Hosts Prime Minister Tony Abbott and members of the national Cabinet for 5 days in North East Arnhem Land. The Prime Minister lives at Gulkula during this period.
2015
Is invested with an Honorary Doctor of Law, University of Melbourne during a ceremony at the Garma Festival.
2017
Hosts Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten at Garma.
Signs historic 99-year Township Lease for Gunyaŋara.
2018
Establishes the Gumatj-owned Gulkula Bauxite Mine – the first Aboriginal owned and operated mine in Australia.
2019
Appointed to Senior Advisory Group on the Voice to Parliament.
2019
Launches landmark Federal Court action against the Commonwealth under the Native Title Act 1992 and Section 51(31) of the Australian Constitution, alleging the acquisition of Gumatj native title rights and interests for mining in 1968 was unlawful and done without ‘just terms’.
2022
Oversees the establishment of the Gulkula Space Base in partnership with Equatorial Launch Australia and NASA.
Hosts Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the Garma Festival, where the PM delivers his landmark referendum speech.
Born
30 June, 1948, in Gunyaŋara, North East Arnhem Land
Father
Mungurrawuy Yunupiŋu (c. 1905 – 1979) – Gumatj clan
Mother
Mäkurrngu – Galpu clan
Clan
Gumatj
Totems
1954 – 1965
Yirrkala Mission School.
1963
Assisted in the drafting of the Yirrkala Bark Petitions, which was signed by his father Mungarrawuy Yunupiŋu and his father’s brother, Djalalingba Yunupiŋu.
1966 – 1967
Methodist Bible College (Brisbane).
1967
Returns to Arnhem Land after attending Methodist Bible College in Brisbane, appointed as first Sport and Recreation Officer at Dhupuma College.
1968 – 1971
Court interpreter during the historic Gove Land Rights case (Milirrpum v Nabalco Pty Ltd).
1973/4
Joins Northern Land Council (NLC), acts as adviser to Sir Edward Woodward in the Whitlam Government’s Royal Commission into Land Rights in the Northern Territory.
1975/6
Works with Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser to ensure the enactment of the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976.
1977
Elected first chairman of the NLC.
1977/78
Following the Fox Royal Commission into Uranium Mining, heads the negotiation of the Ranger Mining Agreement.
1978
Named Australian of the Year.
1979
Resigns as chairman of the NLC following the death of his father, focusing on the ceremonial rites for his father. Takes on the role of Gumatj clan leader.
1981
Moves his immediate family to Gunyaŋara, where he establishes a living area for Gumatj people and their kin.
1983
Re-elected as Chairman of the NLC, a position he holds until his retirement in 2004.
1985
Awarded an Order of Australia Medal.
1988
Helps write, paint and present the Barunga Statement to Prime Minister Bob Hawke at the Barunga Festival, along with Aboriginal leaders from across the Northern Territory.
1993
Establishes the Yothu Yindi Foundation with brother Dr M Yunupiŋu and other clan leaders.
1993
Convenes historic Eva Valley Meeting to respond to the Mabo decision. Presents Eva Valley Statement to Prime Minister Paul Keating in August 1993 calling for Commonwealth legislation and a Native Title Act.
1998
Named one of Australia’s National Living Treasures by the National Trust of Australia.
1999
Establishes the Garma Festival with his brother, Dr M Yunupiŋu.
2004
Retires as Chairman of the NLC.
2006
Commences negotiations with Rio Tinto Alcan for renewal of mining leases on the Gove Peninsula which are due to expire in 2011.
2007
Returns to public life after the announcement of the Emergency Intervention into the Northern Territory.
Delivers landmark speech at University of Melbourne calling for constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
2008
Presents petition to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd at Yirrkala calling for constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
2011
Signs historic 42-year Gove Agreement with Rio Tinto Alcan – the first negotiated agreement with Traditional Owners since mining began on the Gove Peninsula.
2012
Hosts Prime Minister Julia Gillard at Yirrkala for the public signing of the Gove Mining Agreement.
2014
Opens the Garma Knowledge Centre at Gulkula.
2014
Hosts Prime Minister Tony Abbott and members of the national Cabinet for 5 days in North East Arnhem Land. The Prime Minister lives at Gulkula during this period.
2015
Is invested with an Honorary Doctor of Law, University of Melbourne during a ceremony at the Garma Festival.
2017
Hosts Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten at Garma.
Signs historic 99-year Township Lease for Gunyaŋara.
2018
Establishes the Gumatj-owned Gulkula Bauxite Mine – the first Aboriginal owned and operated mine in Australia.
2019
Appointed to Senior Advisory Group on the Voice to Parliament.
Launches landmark Federal Court action against the Commonwealth under the Native Title Act 1992 and Section 51(31) of the Australian Constitution, alleging the acquisition of Gumatj native title rights and interests for mining in 1968 was unlawful and done without ‘just terms’.
2022
Oversees the establishment of the Gulkula Space Base in partnership with Equatorial Launch Australia and NASA.
Hosts Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the Garma Festival, where the PM delivers his landmark referendum speech.
Images of Yunupiŋu
With daughter Binmila Yunupiŋu at Garma 2018
Image by Melanie Faith, Yothu Yindi Foundation
“Fix the constitution or well throw it into the sea” -a strong message at Garma 2019
Image by Peter Eve, Yothu Yindi Foundation
Image by Peter Eve, Yothu Yindi Foundation
With daughter Binmila Yunupiŋu at Garma 2018
Image by Melanie Faith, Yothu Yindi Foundation
With Djunga Djunga Yunupiŋu and Balupalu Yunupiŋu at Garma in 2019
Image by Peter Eve, Yothu Yindi Foundation
With Noel Pearson and Marcia Langton at Garma in 2019
Image by Melanie Faith Dove, Yothu Yindi Foundation
With US Ambassador Caroline Kennedy at Garma in 2022 Image
by Melanie Faith Dove, Yothu Yindi Foundation
With Yothu Yindi Foundation CEO Denise Bowden at Garma 2019
Image by Teagan Glenane, Yothu Yindi Foundation
Write a tribute