John Ah Kit Death | Obituary – The life and times of Aboriginal rights champion and political trailblazer, John Ah Kit age 69 sadly passed away. The Northern Territory’s first Aboriginal cabinet minister, John Ah Kit, has died aged 69.
In a statement, Mr. Ah Kit’s family said he died at Royal Darwin Hospital on Sunday night.
The statement said Mr Ah Kit — known to many as Jak — would be remembered as “a leader and advocate for Aboriginal people, their countries, and their rights”.
“His achievements were many, and we will hear stories of these in the coming days and weeks.
“But what we should remember, above all, is his great sense of humor, his love of country, and his love of friends and family.”
The ABC is using Mr Ah Kit’s full name and image with permission from his family.
Labor Chief Minister Michael Gunner described Mr. Ah Kit as an “important figure” in the life of many Territorians.
“He was a strong leader and a great counselor, dedicated to upholding the rights of Aboriginal people,” Mr Gunner said.
“And he had the wickedest sense of humor in the North.”
Born in Alice Springs in 1950, Mr Ah Kit moved to Darwin at the age of four and went to Darwin and Parap primary schools.
After attending Darwin High School, some of his earlier jobs included selling newspapers and working in an abattoir.
He is survived by his wife and two of his four children.
In her statement on Sunday night, Mr Ah Kit’s daughter Ngaree said: “As you can imagine, our family is devastated and have appreciated the outpouring of support.
“We will reflect on my Dad’s passing before sharing details of how we plan to celebrate his life.”
We express our sympathy and deepest condolences to John’s family today and in the days, weeks, months, and years that are to come as they cope with his passing. May his soul rest in peace.
“He was a strong leader and a great counsellor, dedicated to upholding the rights of Aboriginal people.”
The life and times of Aboriginal rights champion and political trailblazer John Ah Kit, dead at 69.https://t.co/TgEO7aiirp
— ABC Indigenous (@ABCIndigenous) July 12, 2020
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