A national body representing First Nations children has called for an end to the politicisation of the death of Kumanjayi Little Baby, as hundreds of people gathered across Australia to mourn her passing. Community vigils were held on Thursday to honour the five-year-old Warlpiri girl, whose body was found one week ago after a frantic five-day search.
Vigils Across the Country
At the Aborigines Advancement League in Melbourne, about 400 people turned out to pay their respects. Flowers were laid beneath the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags, which were at half mast. People wore pink clothing, were given candles, and welcomed with a smoking ceremony before observing a minute’s silence.
Yorta Yorta Elder Uncle Graham “Boots” Cooper, who gave the welcome to country, expressed hope that the vigils would help Kumanjayi Little Baby’s family heal. “What we’re doing is remembering a beautiful little girl, but at the same time, to honour her and her family and to make sure that her family is strong through our presence here for that beautiful little girl,” he said.
In Canberra, about a hundred people gathered at the Aboriginal tent embassy for a sombre vigil. Clustered around the steps near Old Parliament House, the crowd was silent, some crying, awash in shades of pink – beanies, tiny ribbons pinned to coats – holding candles in the cold night. Organisers said the vigil was about holding space for family and community in Alice Springs. Flowers, wreaths, and a simple cross with pink fairy wings marked the vigil as mourners watched the sunset over the nation’s capital.
Traditional owners on Ngunnawal country welcomed those gathering with a smoking ceremony. Leah House said the memorial was about “holding space” for a grieving family, and the little girl was “farewelled into the dreamtime”. A second vigil was also held at the National Carillon, where mourners laid flowers and wreaths.
Details of the Tragic Event
Kumanjayi Little Baby was last seen by her mother at 11.30pm on Saturday 25 April, tucked into a bed in a home at the Old Timers/Ilyperenye town camp in Alice Springs. Her mother reported her missing at 1.30am, when she discovered her child missing. Hundreds of volunteers and more than 200 police and emergency service workers searched for five days before making the tragic discovery 5km south of where the child was last seen alive.
Later that night, a 47-year-old man, Jefferson Lewis, was arrested and charged with murder and two other offences that cannot be reported for legal reasons. Lewis was not related to the girl or her family.
Kumanjayi Little Baby, whose given name is no longer used in line with cultural protocols, has been described by her family as a friendly girl who loved the colour pink. Her mother released a statement saying she and her son, Kumanjayi’s big brother, “miss and love you”. The family has called for silence while they conduct sorry business, and vigil organisers told people to “leave flags at home” and gather in “shared sorrow and respect”, not in protest.
Advocates Condemn Politicisation
Catherine Liddle, CEO of First Nations child advocacy body SNAICC, said that Kumanjayi Little Baby’s death had already been politicised. Former Liberal prime ministers Tony Abbott and John Howard, as well as current opposition leader Angus Taylor, have called for increased scrutiny over conditions in town camps. Abbott claimed in an opinion piece that culture was “getting in the way” of addressing Indigenous disadvantage.
“Her family has said her death should not be politicised. Unfortunately, we are already seeing that happen,” Liddle said. “What happened to this gorgeous baby girl was not a failing of her family or her community or Town Camps. Kumanjayi Little Baby was deeply loved. What happened is the direct result of multiple system-level failures and it is a painful reminder of why our work matters.”
On Wednesday, three child protection workers were stood down pending an investigation into “actions taken, or not taken” with regard to reported child protection notifications. Liddle called for the First Nations advocacy and child advocacy sectors to remain united. “This is political opportunism that will only harm children,” she said. “We all know that connection to culture, family and community is what keeps our children safe and well.”
Indigenous Australians can call 13YARN on 13 92 76 for information and crisis support; or call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Mensline on 1300 789 978.
