GAYKAMANGU, James

The Northern Territory Bar Associations notes with sadness the passing of James Gaykamangu. James was an elder of the Gupapuyngu Clan from Milingimbi. He had a deep knowledge of the Madayin Yolngu system of law and was engaged for many years in educating non-indigenous lawyers about his people’s law, including by writing two books: Ngarra Law: Aboriginal Customary Law from Arnhem Land (2012) and Striving to Bridge the Chasm: My Cultural Learning Journey (2013). He also made valuable contributions to several other important projects to improve outcomes for Aboriginal people from the legal system, one example of which was his invaluable assistance as a court liaison officer. He was highly intelligent, patient, kind and extremely generous with his time. He will be missed. The Bar Association expresses its sincere condolences to his family and to his people.

The Bar Association has been authorised by James’ sister, Ellen Gapany, to refer to James as it has above.