The Kimberley Land Council has expressed profound sadness at the passing of "a great leader, a cherished Elder and a long-time member of our KLC family - Mr Birch".

The Council's statement, issued Tuesday, said: "Known fondly and respectfully by many as Chairman, Mr Birch served the Kimberley Land Council as Director, Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson over many years. His leadership was instrumental in guiding the organisation through some of our most significant and challenging moments. He stood at the forefront of some of our greatest battles, always carrying the voices of our people with strength, humility and resolve."

"Mr Birch's early years were shaped by his experiences as a stockman in the Kimberley pastoral industry. He often recounted the hardships of that era, including working under harsh conditions with little or no pay, a reality faced by many Aboriginal workers of his generation. These formative experiences fuelled his lifelong commitment to justice and equity.

"A man of great kindness and compassion - yet also a formidable force when needed. He led with deep respect, cultural strength and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of Aboriginal people across the Kimberley.

"He was a key figure in advancing Native Title recognition across the region and was a tireless advocate for Aboriginal self-determination, economic empowerment and the preservation of culture and language. His leadership extended across several organisations, including the Kimberley Aboriginal Law and Culture Centre, the Kimberley Language Resource Centre and the Wunan Foundation.

"As a proud member of the Wyndham community, Mr Birch was a guiding voice for the inclusion of young people in leadership - ensuring the next generation had a seat at the table and a future shaped by their own hands."

The KLC said they continue to be guided by Mr Birch's words:

"You've got to support what you're there for. Although you come from different tribes, you're there for one reason: to support the Indigenous people of the whole Kimberley."

The Council acknowledged "the immeasurable contribution (Mr Birch) made to our organisation, our communities and our collective journey toward justice and recognition".

"His travels took the fight for Kimberley Aboriginal people's rights all the way to the United Nations and regularly to the steps of Parliament and his legacy will inspire the next generation of Kimberley leaders.

"To his beloved wife Margaret, his children and extended families - the KLC Board and staff extend our deepest condolences.

"Mr Birch was, and will remain, part of the great and proud story of our Kimberley Aboriginal people. Just as he learned from his old people, we are grateful to have learned so much from him. Rest peacefully, Chairman."

Former Kimberley Land Council chief executive Wayne Bergmann told National Indigenous Times he had known Mr Birch since his days at the Kimberley Aboriginal Law and Culture Centre.

"He was one of the few leaders who had such a commanding presence but also a gentle nature," Mr Bergmann said.

"He had very deep stance of integrity and an aura about him of trust.

"I witnessed this time and time again, in his ability to see through the politics and articulate right and wrong with government policies, or resolving internal indigenous disputes.

"He was one of those rare human beings who could bring people together of all persuasions of politics and sides."

Mr Bergmann, who is a co-owner of the National Indigenous Times, was the CEO of the KLC when Mr Birch as Chairman guided the Council through challenging times.

"When I became CEO in the Kimberley Land Council, it was one of the toughest times in Native Title history," he said.

"KLC was just starting to get its toes in the water with determining how to document and deal with native title. And we were under a lot of pressure then, under a very draconian Liberal federal government attempting to wipe out native title through the Howard's 10 Point Plan.

"And at the time, we also had Crown solicitors giving advice to the Labor Party that you can't resolve native title by consent. So during this time, Mr Birch, as the Chairman, was able to hold the board together and provide a shield and support for me as CEO, to be able to ensure the KLC got the job done, was able to be what I would call the Blackfella union, and stand up and push - it was always an opportunity with strong cultural and political leadership that you could push the bar higher."

Mr Bergmann said Mr Birch's legacy would be felt for many years to come.