Vincent Lingiari - Vincent's Legacy

Vincent's Legacy

Vincent Lingiari died on 21 January 1988. Every year until then he attended the Gurindji’s annual re-enactment of the walk-off.

Vincent Lingiari was a leader and holder of the cultural authority of the Gurindji people. His fight for his people’s rights – to the custodianship and ownership of their land and the capacity to practise their law, culture and language – made him a national figure.

Vincent Lingiari confronted the vast economic and political forces that were arrayed against him and his people. In doing so, he won a victory that is one of the most outstanding achievements in the history of the struggle for the recognition of Indigenous people, their rights and responsibilities in the land, and their ability to practice their law, language and culture.

One of Australia's largest electorates is named after Vincent. The Division of Lingiari encompasses nearly all of the Northern Territory as well as Christmas Island and the Cocos Islands. It includes Daguragu and traditional Gurindji lands.

The story of Vincent Lingiari was celebrated in the song "From Little Things Big Things Grow" written by Paul Kelly and Indigenous musician Kev Carmody and recorded by Kelly in 1991.