WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are warned that this article contains names and images of a deceased person.
South Australian Aboriginal Elder and social justice campaigner Tauto Sansbury has died, with the Narungga man remembered as a courageous leader and advocate for his people.
Mr Sansbury died on Monday night, his family confirmed, after a battle with cancer.
"Tauto was a courageous leader and advocate who fought relentlessly and fearlessly for social justice for Aboriginal people in all areas of life," the family said in a statement.
"He was a recognised leader and Elder. He spoke truth to power at times when others felt they were unable to.
"Tauto was a true voice for the voiceless."
Tauto Sansbury has been remembered as a courageous leader and advocate for Indigenous people. Source: Sansbury Family
He was a delegate to the 2017 National Constitutional Convention where the Uluru Statement from the Heart was developed and he fully supported its message.
He believed Aboriginal people would only ever be truly advanced through political engagement and urged state and federal parliaments to hear their voices to truly recognise them as Australia's custodians and Traditional Owners.
Mr Sansbury was deeply involved in the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody and led both the National and South Australian Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committees for more than 10 years.
He also worked as a consultant to the SA government's Social Inclusion Unit and most recently ran his own Aboriginal cultural consultancy.
"Tauto's contribution is incalculable and his wisdom, knowledge, warmth, gentleness and humour will be missed by many at home and around Australia," his family said.
"He was a great man and an irreplaceable warrior and advocate for social justice."
* Tauto Sansbury's family has given permission for his name and photograph to be published.
AAP
