Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that the following article contains the names of deceased persons.
At 8:36pm, on the 19th of November 2019, Kumanjayi Walker died on the floor of a cell at the Yuendumu police station, an hour after he was shot by police. His family, and members of his community who had gathered outside the station following the news of his arrest weren’t notified of his death until twelve hours later.
While we’re not in a position to comment on the events of November 19th, particularly while the Coronial Inquest into Kumanjayi Walker’s death takes place, there are a number of things that are clear and can’t be ignored: no one should have died that night; no family should be separated from one another, nor kept in the dark during a time of such significant pain; and that Kumanjayi Walker suffered at the hands of both explicit and institutionalised racism, and it was widespread systematic failure, to which he was exposed for a large part of his life, that ultimately lead to his death.
At the time of writing this, we understand that there have been close to 517 Aboriginal deaths in custody, likely more, since the 1991 Royal Commission into the issue. Over the past 30 years, governments have not fully implemented the royal commission’s 339 recommendations, nor those of the Australian Law Reform Commission’s Pathways to Justice inquiry, the Don Dale royal commission and many other coronial investigations. The failure to do so has evidently been devastating.
This quarter we’re Paying the Rent to the fundraiser coordinated by Kumanjayi Walker’s cousin, Samara Fernandez, to assist with costs relating to the current coronial inquest. These include legal costs, travel and accommodation expenses allowing family to attend the Coronial Inquest, and money to support community events.
‘Family and community is devastated. This is an emotional and difficult time for all family and community members involved. An experience we never want any other family to go through. There are no real words to describe our pain… It is important to us that, as a family and community, we are present in the inquest process for many reasons. First, being present ensures we are being heard and speaking for Kumanjayi, who can no longer speak for himself. Being in attendance means that we understand all the circumstances that led to Kumanjayi’s death to ensure no other family needs to endure what we have!’
Samara Fernandez - Warlpiri woman from Yuendumu and Kumanjayi Walker's cousin
While urgent action from the federal and state governments continues to be stalled, family and community support must be bolstered and their voices elevated while they advocate for deep systemic change, and beyond. Due to the extent in which failure permeates our ‘justice’ system and other intuitions, this change will take time to be fully effected. However, there are a number of things that can be implemented immediately as part of the healing process, and that Black Voices have been calling for in order to reduce harm and injustice, for example a ban on guns for police in remote communities and a Raising of the Age.
You can donate directly to the GoFundMe to assist with costs relating to the Coronial Inquest for Kumanjayi Walker here. A transparent breakdown of these expenses are listed on the go fund me page and include legal costs, travel and accommodation expenses that allow family to attend the Coronial Inquest, and money to support community events.
If you would like to contribute to longer-term family support, the Dhadjowa Foundation provides strategic, coordinated and culturally appropriate support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families whose loved ones have died in custody. Founded by, and in consultation with, the families of Tanya Day, Kumanjayi Walker, Aunty Sherry, and Nathan Reynolds, who together form the foundation’s board. You can donate to the Dhadjowa Foundation here.
*Pure Community and Pure Finance have no direct affiliation with the organisations and causes listed above, we simply appreciate the work that they do, and choose to show our appreciation by donating to them.