Departures of note

Bakamumu Marika AM was a senior traditional owner and respected elder of the Rirratjingu clan in Arnhem Land, Northern Territory. He played a pivotal role in advancing Indigenous land rights, continuing the legacy of his father, Roy Dadaynga Marika, a noted founder of the land‑rights movement. In 2022 he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his significant service to the community.

Marika co‑founded the Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation and served as its long‑standing chairman and later patron, guiding initiatives in education, community development, economic participation, and cultural preservation for his people. His advocacy was grounded in Yolŋu values and traditions, and he was a key figure behind the Garma Festival and the Yothu Yindi Foundation’s cultural programs.

Through his lifelong dedication, Marika inspired younger generations to uphold their cultural identity and pursue opportunities, leaving a lasting impact on both his clan and the broader Australian Indigenous rights landscape.