Central Land Council

Closing climb a mark of respect at Uluru

Central Land Council staff and members are deeply saddened at the death of Pitjantjatjara man and senior Uluru traditional owner Kunmanara on the weekend.

CLC chairman Kunmanara Breaden said Kunmanara was well known for his leadership, his gentleness and his deep commitment to his traditional responsibilities.

" I'm glad the climb up the rock has been closed for a bit," Mr Breaden said. "It's the proper way to show respect for that old man. "

He fought for the return of control of Uluru to Aboriginal people after the area was made into the Uluru and Kata Tjuta National Park in 1977.

"We got a really hard time for that struggle, especially from the Northern Territory Government but Kunmanara always stayed gentle," he said.

The struggle for Uluru was finally won when the Hawke Government agreed to amend the Land Rights Act in 1983 to enable the area to be returned to Aboriginal control.

In return the traditional landowners agreed to lease back the area to Parks Australia under a joint management arrangement.

As a new park board member Kunmanara said: "Now we are working together. Now we're level. Anangu are happy for the whitefella to come here but they have to obey the (Aboriginal) Law". Mr Breaden said that Kunmanara continued to play an active role in joint management of the Park until his death.

" He was a really nice bloke who worked hard around that park and did a lot to help his community in other ways. He was also a good Christian man as well as being strong for Aboriginal law," Mr Breaden said. Kunmanara spent many of his early adult years at the Pitjantjatjara community of Ernabella .

" On behalf of the Central Land Council I extend our deepest sympathy to his family and the community of Mutitjulu," he said.

Note 1: Mr Breaden is unable to be interviewed for this release Note 2: In accordance with Aboriginal custom, the name Kunmanara is substituted for the man's name.

15 May 2001