P Inverway (PI) was a much loved Gurindji man who held important community and ceremonial responsibilities. He died suddenly at just 45 years of age this February. He was a strong leader for his people and a fighter for justice, with friends and associates throughout Aboriginal communities in Northern Australia and across the whole country.
Fighting the Intervention, carrying forward the spirit of the Wave Hill walk off
PI was proud of the history of the Gurindji and their famous walk-off from Wave Hill station in 1966, demanding equal wages, land rights and self-determination. His death comes as the community prepares to mark 50 years since the walk-off.
Many people on the South-East coast came to know PI from a speaking tour he undertook in 2010 as part of the campaign against the racist Northern Territory Intervention. PI worked with activist groups in the major cities, like the Stop the Intervention Collective. He linked up with trade unions, particularly the CFMEU and the MUA, to build opposition to the exploitative working conditions under the Intervention, where Aboriginal people are paid on a 'BasicsCard'. He followed in the footsteps of his father Mick Inverway, a leader in the 1966 walk-off.
Support needed for funeral
The costs of organising a funeral in such a remote community is very high. Many family members and friends from very remote areas are wanting to attend. PI opened so many hearts with his fighting spirit and humour, let's give back, help celebrate his life and carry forward his fight for justice.
Read a tribute to PI's life which describes his role in the campaign against the NT Intervention here http://www.solidarity.net.au/aboriginal/pi-a-fighter-for-justice-for-his-people/
Read a report in the Age newspaper on PI’s speaking tour in 2010 http://www.smh.com.au/national/for-some-workers-the-struggle-will-never-end-20100615-yd9p.html
Watch a video of a strike against the Intervention in the communities of Kalkaringi and Daguragu, which features speeches from PI and footage of him discussing the impact of the Intervention https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guge6MI6cTA
This campaign is being managed by Padraic Gibson, who was heavily involved in the campaign against the NT Intervention and worked with PI and many other Gurindji to organise protests in their community and speaking tours across Australia. All funds raised will be paid directly to PI's sister Sylvia Inverway to assist with family preparations for the funeral.
