National NAIDOC Lifetime Achievement Award
John Ah Kit
John Ah Kit, or ‘Jak’ as he is affectionately known, is one of the driving forces behind Indigenous politics in Australia. His career and indeed his life, has been the source of inspiration for many of today’s Indigenous leaders.
Born the 5th of 13 children, Jak grew up in Parap Camp, a former army camp and refuge for Aboriginal families in Darwin. He commenced his working life delivering parcels for Woolworths.
At 21, he attended his first NAIDOC march in Alice Springs. It was there he met some of Australia’s most significant Aboriginal leaders including Kwementyaye Perkins, who inspired his interest in politics and sparked his desire to make a real difference for his people.
Completing studies in Community Development, he commenced work with the Department of Social Security. That year, he also became the President of the Kalano Community Association.
In 1983, Jak was elected as a Board member of the Northern Land Council. The following year he was appointed as the Director of the same Council, a position he held for six years. Today, the land councils have won back almost half of the Territory land for traditional Aboriginal land owners.
In 1991, he was appointed the Executive Director of the Jawoyn Association, establishing the foundation of what is today one of the most successful Aboriginal organisations in the country. He played an important role in the Jawoyn delegation that won the battle to prevent the mining of Coronation Hill. Jak maintains his involvement with the Jawoyn Association to this day.
1995 saw Jak begin his ten years in Parliament when he successfully contested the seat of Arnhem. He soon became the territory’s first Aboriginal Minister.
His political portfolio was impressive. He was the Territory Minister for Community Development, Housing, Local Government, Sport and Recreation and Regional Development. He was also the Minister assisting the Chief Minister on Indigenous Affairs.
Jak’s decade in parliament was one of great achievement. He often battled for and scored victories on behalf of Indigenous Australians and Territorians. He is considered an inspiration for new generations of Indigenous leadership.
Jak retired from politics in 2005 to assist with the management of the Jawoyn Association. He is the current Chairman of the both Nitmiluk National Park Board of Management and Nitmiluk Tours.
He maintains a strong association with NAIDOC and has been involved in the coordination of NAIDOC events since his first march thirty six years ago.
To be able to reflect on such a lifetime of achievement is exceptional.
For his enduring political commitment to improve the lives of others, for the humble manner in which he did so and for his legacy that remains, Jak Ah Kit is presented with the 2007 Lifetime Achievement Award.