Passing of Nanna Nangala Fejo

Statement- Minister Wyatt

I offer my sincerest condolences to the family of Nanna Nangala Fejo, a kind and gentle soul whose strength contributed immensely to the nation’s healing.

Her story became emblematic of the Stolen Generations in 2008 when then-Prime Minister Kevin Rudd featured Nanna Nangala in the Apology to Australia's Indigenous Peoples.

A proud Warumungu woman, Nanna Nangala was a beacon of light and hope amidst the despair and suffering of the Stolen Generations.

Having been removed from just outside Tennant Creek at only four years old, taken to Alice Springs, moved to Garden Point, Croker Island, Darwin, Oenpelli, Pine Creek, Sydney and then back to Darwin to train as a domestic worker, her experiences gave her a resolve to help those around her and improve the lives of all Aboriginal people.

Nanna Nangala was a strong and collaborative advocate for all Indigenous Australians, extending her work on behalf of the Stolen Generations to significantly improve Aboriginal health and wellbeing overall.

Her energy and focus left a strong impact on her children and grandchildren, who are similarly very active in their contributions to communities in the Northern Territory and across Australia.

Through the bravery of people like Nanna Nangala Fejo, all Australians are able to better understand the devastating and traumatic impacts of child removal policies.

May she rest in peace.