Queensland indigenous elder and activist Evelyn Scott has died.
Born in 1935, Ms Scott was a lifelong campaigner for aboriginal rights and was involved in the referendum to recognise indigenous Australians in 1967.
Her family on Thursday said she died peacefully in her sleep, with her eight-decade-long life serving as "a metaphor for the changing circumstances of her people."
At the start of her time as an activist in the 1960s, indigenous Australians were legally treated as minors under the "protection" of the federal government and had no legal rights.
"Today, the 'Act' has gone, First Nations people sit in both the state and federal parliament and the concept of a treaty has entered mainstream political debate," her family said in a statement.
"The change of circumstances in Queensland and across the country owes much to the tireless and intelligent campaigning of our mother."
Ms Scott was awarded two honourary doctorates in 2000 and 2001, as well as being awarded an Officer in the General Division of the Order of Australia in 2001 following her stewardship of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation from 1997 to 2000.
Dr Scott's career began in north Queensland when she lobbied for legal, housing and medical services and indigenous women's rights.
She is survived by her son, four daughters and seven grandchildren.
