Communities on the Tiwi Islands and beyond are mourning the loss of Elder, educator and leader Mr E. Portaminni.
The Northern Territory's Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority, of which Mr Portaminni was a board member, said on Monday that he was "was a great man who dedicated his life to preserving and protecting Tiwi law and culture".
In an official statement, the Authority's Chairman, Board, chief executive and staff said they were "deeply saddened" by the loss of Mr Portaminni.
"An Elder, educator and community leader, he worked for 35 years sharing language and cultural knowledge with Tiwi school students," they said.
"Later, he was Chair of Tarntipi Homelands Aboriginal Corporation and ran Tarntipi Bush Camp with his family, delivering cultural education and training to visitors to the islands.
"Mr Portaminni was also a valued member of the Tiwi Land Council, representing the Wurankuwu clan."
The Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority said that in his year of service on the Board, Mr Portaminni's advocacy, wisdom and deep knowledge of the Tiwi Islands made a lasting contribution to the protection of Sacred Sites.
"He will be much missed. The Authority sends its deepest condolences to his extended family, friends and community."
