Brisbane activist and Indigenous leader, Wangerriburra and Birri Gubba man Uncle Sam Watson, passed away from a short-term illness yesterday morning in the presence of loved ones.
Mr Watson became politically active at age 16, distributing how-to-vote cards for the Yes campaign in the 1967 referendum.
Among his many achievements and strides for equality, Mr Watson served at the Aboriginal Embassy in Canberra from 1972, working with elders to establish community organisations and peak bodies in health, housing, education, employment and Legal Aid.
Mr Watson was a prominent figure at the annual Invasion Day rallies in Brisbane and will be remembered for his significant contribution and commitment to Indigenous rights.