The Northern Territory community and beyond are mourning the loss of Arrernte Elder Dr Pat Miller AO.

Dr Miller, an Mparntwe native title holder, was a "passionate advocate for Aboriginal people in Central Australia", the Central Land Council said on Tuesday.

The 2004 NT Australian of the Year was well-known for her advocacy and hard work for the community.

She worked with several organisations across central Australia, leaving a legacy of compassion and devotion to helping others and building a better world.

Patricia Ann Miller, the daughter of Polly and Milton Liddle, was born in 1947 and grew up on Angas Downs Station.

She was a longstanding member of the Llhere Artepe Aboriginal Corporation, worked for many years with Remote Health Central Australia, and was the first Aboriginal person to become Deputy to the Northern Territory Administrator.

She also served for many years as chief executive of the Central Australian Aboriginal Legal Aid Service.

The Central Land Council said Dr Miller "was dedicated to her community", noting her service on the boards of the Sadadeen Secondary College, the Institute of Aboriginal Development, and Imparja Television.

A tireless community champion, Dr Miller also served on the Red Cross Alice Springs Committee, and worked with the Alice Springs Hockey and Basketball Association, Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association and the Arrernte Council.

Dr Miller was awarded with two honourary doctorates and appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in recognition of her lifelong dedication to her community and her deep cultural knowledge.

Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians and Senator for the NT, Malarndirri McCarthy, said Dr Miller was "a trailblazer and tireless advocate for Aboriginal people".

"Her decades of leadership at the Central Australian Aboriginal Legal Aid Service and her work in Remote Health inspired many," Senator McCarthy said.

"She dedicated her life to serving and strengthening her community."

NT Chief Minister Lia Fioncchiaro described Dr Miller as "a respected Territorian whose contribution to our community will not be forgotten".

Robyn Lambley MLA described Dr Miller as "a leader for all people - Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal - in her town of Alice Springs".

"She was our Deputy Administrator for almost 20 years. Pat was a kind, gracious woman," Ms Lambley wrote.

The Central Land Council said the legacy Dr Miller leave behind and the impact she has had on Aboriginal people "cannot be understated".

"Pat was a proud Aboriginal woman who dedicated her life to serving the Northern Territory through leadership, advocacy and community service," she said.

"The Central Land Council acknowledges the incredible contributions Dr Miller made throughout her life and extends their deepest condolences to her sons and grandchildren."