It is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of Dr Bush-Blanasi.
A giant of the Top End, an inspiring leader and a fighter for Aboriginal Land Rights, Northern Land Council Chairman and 2023 NT Australian of the Year.
Dr Bush-Blanasi was a proud Mayili and Yolŋu man, raised in the Wugularr community (Beswick) of Roper Gulf.
His mother, a Yolŋu woman from Blue Mud Bay in Arnhem Land, was a claimant in the historic 2008 Blue Mud Bay case which determined 85 per cent of the Northern Territory’s coastline belonged to Traditional Owners.
With tenacity and pride, Dr Bush-Blanasi devoted more than 40 years to the Northern Land Council, representing his home community of Wugularr since 1989. Dr Bush-Blanasi served 9 terms as Councillor, three as Deputy Chair, and in 2022 he was elected to an historic fourth consecutive term as Chairman.
He played a pivotal role in advocating for a Voice to Parliament and constitutional recognition, including for the many bush communities across the Northern Territory.
Dr Bush-Blanasi always sought to amplify the concerns and aspirations of Indigenous communities, including through the Barunga Declaration which reaffirmed grassroots support for a ‘Yes’ vote stating:
“We must right the wrongs of the past and deal with the serious issues impacting First Nations peoples, empower First Nations peoples and unite our country.”
We thank Dr Bush-Blanasi for his fearless and passionate support for a Voice to Parliament and determination to see a better way forward for Indigenous Australians.
Dr Bush-Blanasi was a strong supporter of Traditional Owners, traditional law and ceremony, caring for Country, and ‘two-way’ learning for young people.
The 2023 Australian of the Year for the Northern Territory, was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Charles Darwin University.
He was appointed Co-Chair of the interim board of the Northern Territory Aboriginal Investment Corporation in 2022, following his leadership in designing this important reform.
He was also a member of various Indigenous-controlled organisations including the North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance, the Aboriginal Housing Northern Territory Aboriginal Corporation, and the Governing Group of the Aboriginal Peak Organisations Northern Territory.
An accomplished artist, Dr Bush-Blanasi was a founding member of the Association of Northern, Kimberley and Arnhem Aboriginal Artists and the Top End Aboriginal Bush Broadcasting Association.
Dr Bush-Blanasi was a strong champion for Aboriginal women - advocating and promoting their unique and special role in our communities. He supported women at all levels during his time at Land Council including his appointment of the first female CEO in 2019.
As three female representatives in the field of Indigenous Affairs - his respect and courage was a constant source of strength for all of us.
We pay tribute to Dr Bush-Blanasi who gave so much to First Nations people in the Northern Territory.
His wisdom, leadership and his sense of humour will be sorely missed.
A true leader of his community, and a shining example of what can be achieved through a vision and the belief that Indigenous Australians can and will decide their own futures.
To his family, his community: our hearts go out to you.