News of the death of the extraordinary and talented Dr G Yunupingu broke overnight. He was 46.
Born in a remote Northern Territory Aboriginal community and blind from birth, he taught himself to play guitar upside down (he was left-handed, you see) and eventually sold more than half a million albums, becoming the highest selling Indigenous artist in history.
But some media reports (and I) aren’t mentioning his first name, nor are we showing an image of the musical genius who sang his way into many hearts in his native Yolngu language. Why aren’t we posting photos or writing his full name? Well, there are important issues surrounding the naming of Indigenous Australians who have died. The ABC’s editorial policies sums it up nicely.
“Bereavement practices vary in different communities and regions. There is often sensitivity to seeing and hearing the name, image or voice of Indigenous people who have died. The naming and depiction of recently deceased people is often prohibited under customary law and the mourning period may last for weeks, months or years. There may also be a preferred way of referring to the deceased person.”
In a nutshell, it’s up to a member of Dr G Yunupingu’s family or the elders of his community to determine how he should be referred to. Late on Tuesday night, just hours after his passing in Royal Darwin Hospital, Dr G Yunupingu’s record label released a statement breaking the sad news and referring to the deceased as Dr G Yunupingu.
“Skinnyfish Music and Dr G Yunupingu’s family ask for your respect at this time”.
So, until the family directs the media otherwise, the wonderfully talented and gentle Dr G Yunupingu should be referred to as just that.
And may he Rest In Peace.
*UPDATE 20 DEC 2017: STATEMENT FROM SKINNYFISH MUSIC REGARDING GURRUMUL YUNUPINGU
The final funeral ceremony for Gurrumul Yunupingu occurred on Friday 24th Nov at Galiwin’ku, Elcho Island.
The passing of any Yolngu person is usually accompanied by strict traditional protocols which preclude the use of the deceased’s name. The immediate family of Gurrumul have been clear throughout the grieving process that the contribution he made and continues to make to Australian and Yolngu cultural life should not be forgotten.
The family have given permission that following the final funeral ceremony, his name and image may once again be used publicly to ensure that his legacy will continue to inspire both his people and Australians more broadly.
The family thank the media and the Australian public for their support and respect throughout this period.
4 Responses
Thank you for your thoughtful and respectful post. I have shared with our Educators so they have a better understanding as to why this is so.
In some Far North Queensland tribes, we cannot say names of the deceased as it is our belief that every time we say their name, we keep their spirits here with us and we hinder them from completely crossing back into the dreaming. I cannot say this will be the same reason for Yolngu but I am sure it will be something similar if not the same.
But thank you for this article, it has enlightened many.
Thanks Lisa Rob & Heather Brandt Be Safe CX
Very informative, thank you