National NAIDOC Award Winners

Sandra Armstrong - Charles Perkins Award

Sandra Armstrong was born in 1944 at Pipalyatjara on the Anungu Pitjantjatjara Lands.

As a young woman Sandra moved to Angus Downs where she worked as a domestic and a cattle worker.

This was hard back breaking work, with few rewards, but her experiences at Angus Downs taught her the value of hard work and the need to educate non-Aboriginal people about Anungu Law and Culture.

Sandra married and raised 5 children of her own and always had room in her family for other children.

Some of the children were of the Stolen Generations and upon their return to Alice Springs she was quick to offer them a home and a sense of ‘place’.

Sandra was instrumental in securing Angus Downs Pastoral Lease ( 1994), from its previous non- Indigenous owner for the benefits of the people of Imanapa.

She has since built Angus Downs into an Outstation which is home to her many grandchildren – 25 of them and is an important ceremonial place for the undertaking of Anungu Law and Culture.

Despite her advancing years, Sandra has the primary care taking role for most her Grandchildren. A role she fulfils with pride.

Sandra’s commitment to the future of her people, through education, is epitomised by her role in the establishment of Nyangatjatjara College based at Yulara.

Sandra has played an integral role in Indigenous Affairs in Central Australia and her tenacity and her commitment can never be challenged.