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Yahoo
7 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
George Nigh dies at 98: Oklahomans remember former governor, longtime politician
Former Oklahoma Gov. George P. Nigh, a legendary politician who served in the state's highest office four times and guided it through the early stages of the 1980s oil bust before becoming president of one of the state's largest universities, has died. He was 98. Oklahoma historian Bob Burke, a family friend who once wrote Nigh's biography, confirmed Nigh's death on Wednesday, July 30. Burke said Nigh died at home, surrounded by family members. The family will announce a public memorial service later, Burke said. Here's what notable Oklahomans had to say about Nigh: Nigh's wife, Donna Nigh 'He was the love of my life. I have a giant hole in my heart. George and I traveled this journey hand in hand working to make our beloved Oklahoma a better place to live and work and raise families." Nigh's daughter, Georgeann Duty 'Others have always told me what a great man my father was and the amazing impact he had on the state of Oklahoma. To me, he was truly the best dad and granddad who loved his family and friends fiercely. Our family and so many friends throughout the state will miss him terribly.' Former Gov. Brad Henry "If I compiled a list of the top five people who had the greatest impact and influence on my life, George Nigh, along with my parents, would be on it. George was a longtime dear friend, a mentor, and a true public servant. He was a great man, but, perhaps more importantly, he was a really good guy. Few, if any, have had as significant of an impact on our state for as long as George did." Former Gov. Frank Keating "George Nigh captured his age. He loved Oklahoma. Totally. He loved his family. Totally. The 'state of his State was great.' He believed. He was a man of love, humility, and goodness. We loved him for who he was and what he was. We shall miss him terribly." Former Gov. Mary Fallin "Governor George Nigh was a remarkable man who deeply loved Oklahoma and its people. His long and distinguished service set a standard for public leadership grounded in integrity, bipartisanship, and humility. He was a very devoted and gifted speaker who inspired many generations with his words, energy, and optimism. He devoted his life not just to governing, but to elevating our state's spirit — whether through promoting Oklahoma tourism, supporting education, or simply being a good neighbor. He was the kind of statesman every generation hopes for. Oklahoma is better because he walked among us and we will miss him." Former Gov. David Walters "I can say without exaggeration that a great man has left this life … a great, great man. He believed in public service and devoted his life to it as a legislator, Lieutenant Governor, and served as Governor longer than any other. But the elected positions paled to who he was, a devout Oklahoman, always encouraging others to work together for the common good. He avoided partisanship and discouraged negative campaigning. He believed and preached that public service is a noble profession and that politics in a democracy was necessary to have public service. He loved Donna and all his family. He stayed in touch with hundreds of friends with frequent calls and continued to speak to thousands, delivering his last speech to a packed house of 950 people in Tulsa on June 28 after being checked out of the Mercy Hospital ICU on June 26 for pneumonia. Every time I went to see him in the ICU he would raise up and ask me how many tickets had been sold! He was so happy to receive the first ever Albert Nigh Award for a lifetime of public service and after he was seated, he still led the crowd in a raucous singing of 'Oklahoma!,' which he personally as a young legislator got adopted as our state song. He and Donna were so happy to celebrate his 98th birthday with a few friends and family. George pioneered the line that he updated annually by saying, 'no one wants to be 98 unless you are 97!'. He was always graciously thanking others for helping him when it was him who lifted up all around him. He seemed to be working his bucket list for the last few months. He wanted to attend the Oklahoma City Memorial Commemoration on April 19 in person to visit with his old friend, President Bill Clinton. After his speech, the President immediately spotted George and gave him a great hug. I asked him what he wanted to do for his birthday and without hesitation he said he wanted to speak to the Rotary Club of Oklahoma City! And so, on June 17, Governor Frank Keating (George wanted it Bipartisan!) had a 'fireside chat' with George about his life and public service before 250 Rotarians. He delivered a beautiful message of gratitude and encouraged the nation to find a way to come together. I will miss his wonderful stories that at the age of 98 he would sprinkle with precise names, dates and places that was simply astounding. Most of all I will miss his wisdom, his graciousness and his loving companionship. I can hear the celestial angels tuning up their trumpets to get the notes of Rodgers and Hammerstein's 'Oklahoma!' just right for George and he will remind them, as he did all his audiences, that the name of the song is always followed by an exclamation point. Rest in Peace George Nigh!!" Gov. Kevin Stitt 'I'm saddened to hear of the loss of a true Oklahoma statesman and public servant. George Nigh guided Oklahoma through difficult times and led with kindness and humility. Sarah and I are praying for his wife Donna and their family and friends as they remember and honor a life well lived.' U.S. Sen. James Lankford 'I'm saddened to hear of the passing of former Governor George Nigh, a statesman who dedicated his life to serving Oklahoma. His legacy of leadership, optimism, and public service will be forever cherished. Our prayers are with his family and loved ones." U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin "A legend gone. My wife, Christie and I extend our prayers to Governor Nigh's family and all who loved him." U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas "When the news came that former Governor George Nigh had passed, I had to take a moment to reflect deeply on the life that he led. Whether as Lieutenant Governor or Governor of Oklahoma, he remained a steadfast fixture in mine and all of my fellow Oklahomans' lives. We may have not always agreed on every political issue, but I always admired and respected him. Speaking with many of my friends and neighbors over the years, this sentiment is widely shared across our community. With this in mind, I only wish our modern world had more figures like George Nigh." U.S. Rep. Stephanie Bice "Today, Oklahoma lost a legend with the passing of Governor George Nigh, a true public servant for our great state. Nigh ran for office at the age of 22 and served admirably and with integrity throughout his life. His legacy lives on in both our state and our state's song which he championed in the state Legislature. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen." Former Oklahoma House Speaker Glen D. Johnson "George devoted his 98 years of life to public service. As a classroom teacher, military veteran, state representative, Lieutenant Governor and Oklahoma's first two-term Governor, George consistently provided strong leadership and extraordinary public service to the citizens of McAlester, Pittsburg County, the State of Oklahoma, and the United States of America. As the legislative author of our state's official song, 'OKLAHOMA!,' George lived his life in a way that made all of us very proud to be Oklahomans. He was and always will be 'Oklahoma's Ambassador of Goodwill' and one of our most beloved and cherished citizens. On a personal note, I have lost one of my best friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Donna, his daughter Georgeann and his family during this very difficult time." Retired Oklahoma Supreme Justice Yvonne Kauger "George changed my life by appointing me to the Supreme Court and making Oklahoma one of the first states to have two women on the state's highest court. Had George not made that bold move, the Oklahoma Justice Center, one of the most beautiful buildings in this part of the country, might not have happened. The Sovereignty Symposium, the nationally known gathering of Native American law experts, might not have been born. He never lost his ability to be funny and witty. He remembered all the stories and was the most entertaining speaker I've ever heard. I once asked him if it was really his idea to appoint me or was it Donna's, and he said he was taking credit for it. But I know that Donna had a lot to do with it. I sent him flowers every year after I was appointed on March 14 to thank him for giving me that honor. He never failed to write me a note and to tell me how proud he was of me. That meant the world to me." Retired Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice Steven Taylor "I have known George Nigh since I was a junior at McAlester High School and he was the Lieutenant Governor. He has mentored me and been one of my best friends ever since. He launched my 33-year judicial career by appointing me to the District Court in 1984. We have been very close friends and McAlester is our common bond. We continued to stay in touch in his later years with very frequent phone calls and text messages and occasional lunches and we always celebrated his birthday. George was a champion for every young person who aspired to the high calling of a life in public service. His passion was to get things done in a bipartisan way. There were no Republican projects or Democrat projects. There were just projects that were good for Oklahoma. His entire life was dedicated to public service in Oklahoma. He was a great governor, and he was one of my best friends. I will miss him very much. May his memory be a blessing." Attorney General Gentner Drummond "I am greatly saddened to learn that George Nigh, one of Oklahoma's most noble and admirable leaders, has passed away. Few public servants have had the impact on our state that Gov. Nigh demonstrated. Through multiple terms as Governor and Lieutenant Governor, he led with kindness and impeccable integrity. His contributions to our development and advancement as a state are too numerous to name. And his devotion to serving Oklahoma inspired new generations to take up the mantle of public service through the George and Donna Nigh Public Service Scholarship. "I ask every Oklahoman to join me in honoring one of the finest men to ever lead our state and to pray for the loved ones he leaves behind. I hope they have white hats in Heaven." Oklahoma State Treasurer Todd Russ 'Governor George Nigh was a gracious, principled, and devoted public servant who led Oklahoma with optimism, civility, and a deep commitment to all Oklahomans. His impact on our state's history and his example of bipartisan leadership will be remembered for generations. He helped shape my early political perspective as a gentleman and a leader, and I've always admired the way he served with both dignity and humility. We take comfort in the words of Scripture: 'Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.' (Matthew 20:26). My thoughts and prayers are with his family and all who were inspired by his life of service.' Former Lt. Gov. Jari Askins "Governor Nigh has been Oklahoma's #1 cheerleader my entire life. Whether speaking at High School Commencements or at Girls State for more than 50 years, his love of young people and our state inspired generations of yesterday's, today's and tomorrow's leaders. Peace to Donna, Georgeanne, and his family. Rest well, good and faithful public servant." Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton "It is with great sadness that former Governor George Nigh has passed away. Oklahoma is a better state because of his distinguished career in public service. Having been a member in the House of Representatives, lieutenant governor and as governor, he celebrated many accomplishments throughout his distinguished career. "A committed public servant through-and-through, he began his career as a teacher after college. After his career in government, he went on to lead the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond as president, where the university center still bears his name at the Nigh University Center. 'The impact and legacy Governor Nigh left on the state will not be forgotten. My wife Misti and I share our sympathies and prayers with the Nigh family and his loved ones during this difficult time.' Oklahoma House Speaker Kyle Hilbert "Today, we mourn the loss of Governor George Nigh. He represented the Oklahoma Standard through decades of service, from reforming the executive branch and modernizing state agencies to declaring Oklahoma! the official state song. His work helped shape the direction of our state and will be remembered. My thoughts are with his wife, Donna, and the entire Nigh family during this time." Oklahoma Senate Minority Leader Julia Kirt 'When I learned that Governor George Nigh had passed, I was filled both with deep sadness at his passing and profound gratitude for his incredible life and service to the people of Oklahoma. He was a life-long public servant as an educator, legislator, former lieutenant governor, governor, and president of the University of Central Oklahoma. "Governor Nigh was a visionary and a true statesman, beloved and admired by elected officials on both sides of the aisle. My thoughts and prayers are with Donna and the Nigh family, and I know our entire state joins them in mourning this tremendous loss.' Oklahoma House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson 'Oklahoma lost a legend today. Governor George Nigh defined what it was to be an Oklahoman. He led with dedication, passion, and kindness. I first met Gov. Nigh as a student in a leadership class at the University of Central Oklahoma, and he was my first phone call when I decided to run for office. He always remembered me and supported me, and I would not be where I am today without his guidance. Gov. Nigh was always passionate about encouraging Oklahomans to get involved in leadership in their communities, especially women and younger people. He increased the number of women and minorities serving on state boards and commissions and appointed the first two women to serve on the Oklahoma Supreme Court, paving the way for people like me to serve in public office. My thoughts and prayers are with Donna and the rest of the Nigh family as we remember and honor this great man.' State Sen. Adam Pugh, of Edmond "Governor George Nigh embodied what it means to be a public servant. His life was marked by tireless dedication to the people of Oklahoma. From his early days in the Legislature to his time as our state's governor, he personifies what it means to be a statesman. For those of us in Edmond, his legacy is perhaps felt most strongly through his leadership at the University of Central Oklahoma. As president of UCO, Governor Nigh helped shape the university into a cornerstone institution in our state. He elevated the university's mission, strengthened its reputation and inspired generations of students to believe in the power of a higher education and community. He loved this state deeply and never stopped investing in its future. His impact on higher education and public service will live on through the countless lives he touched. My thoughts are with his family, his many friends and all Oklahomans who are mourning the loss of this truly remarkable man. May we all strive to serve with the humility, integrity and vision that Governor Nigh exemplified." State Sen. Mark Mann (Oklahoma City) 'I have known Governor Nigh for over thirty years and was proud to have his support in my recent election. His example of servant leadership has inspired me and countless others to live a life of service. Nigh's deep love for Oklahoma transcended partisanship, setting an example for how we all should serve. In June, I had the opportunity to see the governor and hear him speak. His words were as powerful as ever. His message was simple: a life in service is a life well lived, and Governor Nigh certainly lived a long and meaningful life. As we reflect on his life and achievements, we are reminded of the power of public service and the enduring influence of a true statesman. His work will continue to inspire and guide Oklahomans, ensuring that his legacy remains relevant and cherished for years to come.' State Reps. Jim Grego, of Wilburton, and David Smith, of Arpelar "George Nigh is absolutely legendary and beloved in our area of the state. No one cared a bit about his political party. All they knew was he was a fierce advocate for Oklahomans and Oklahoma. He had our best interests at heart and spent a lifetime showing us how to accomplish much through hard work, determination and love of others." State Reps. Nicole Miller and Mike Osburn, of Edmond "Oklahoma has lost a legend. George Nigh was the very epitome of what it means to be a public servant. He was a relentless champion for our state and had a unique talent for bringing together people from all walks of life. He innately understood that what makes Oklahoma special is the people who call this state home. During his time in public office and as president of the University of Central Oklahoma, he fiercely told Oklahoma's story. He built UCO into the powerhouse institution it is today, and the university and surrounding Edmond community blossomed during his time at the helm. His mentorship will be greatly missed, and we will keep his family in our prayers." Oklahoma CareerTech Director Brent Haken 'Governor Nigh believed in the promise of every Oklahoman. He understood that building a strong workforce started with education and opportunity. His leadership helped pave the way for generations of Oklahomans to gain the skills they needed to succeed in life and in their careers.' Bob Blackburn, former director, Oklahoma Historical Society "Governor Nigh was not just a friend but also a mentor who taught me the importance of public service, inclusive leadership, and the power of positive energy when searching for the greatest good for the greatest number of people. I will miss his stories, his insights into human nature, and his love of Oklahoma." Bob Burke, Nigh's biographer "The word 'integrity' symbolizes George's lifetime of public service. Even though some disagreed with his policies, no one questioned his integrity. He owed no one but the people of Oklahoma. His administrations were never tainted by scandal. He had so many firsts in Oklahoma. When elected in 1950, he was the youngest member of the legislature at 22. He was the youngest lieutenant governor ever. He was the first governor to be reelected and the only gubernatorial candidate to carry all 77 counties. He was the only person to serve four terms as governor, although two were for nine and five days. He was the oldest person ever hired as a university president. George was one of the most sought-after speakers in the state. He wrote key words of his speech on his hand. He spoke at a commencement for 75 consecutive years. He was the modern Will Rogers for his beloved state." Former state Rep. Joe Dorman, of Rush Springs 'The Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy mourns the passing of one of our greatest patrons and an Oklahoma statesman without compare, The Honorable George Nigh. Governor Nigh was a staunch supporter of OICA and the Kid Governor program. His memory will guide us in the years ahead and our deepest sympathies go to his family and the entire state. Goodbye to my friend, mentor, and a true public servant, the modern-day Will Rogers of Oklahoma. My life was certainly better for you being a part of it.' Environmental Protection Agency Regional Administrator Scott Mason 'I am deeply saddened by the passing of former Oklahoma Governor George Nigh. I was privileged to know him as a close friend and learn from him as a cherished mentor. There was no greater champion of Oklahoma, both during his time in office and for decades afterward. With deep knowledge and affection for our state, he brought its history to life through unmatched storytelling and wit. Oklahoma has lost an icon and a legend. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, former First Lady Donna Nigh, and his entire family at this difficult time.' (This story was updated to add new information.) This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: George Nigh dies at 98: Oklahomans remember former governor, politician Solve the daily Crossword
BBC News
07-07-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Who be di Ghanaian lawmaker Ernest Kumi wey die
One lawmaker for Ghana wey im name be Ernest Kumi don die afta im sick, im party confam. Di lawmaker of di opposition new patriotic party (NPP) dey represent di pipo of Akwatia for di Eastern region for parliament bifor im die. On Friday im appear on top local media networks for discussion on top morning shows. Di Eastern region branch of di NPP for one statement confam di death wia dem tok say "na heart-breaking news wey don shock di party." "We dey sad about dis news, di pipo of Akwatia and di NPP shock," oga Evans Osei Yeboah wey bin sign di statement tok. Di party for di region add say "Honourable Kumi na dedicated public servant wey dey committed to di development of Akwatia." "We extend our condolence to im immediate family , di chiefs and pipo of Akwatia constituency and di entire NPP across di kontri," di Eastern region tok tok pesin oga Evans Osei Yeboah bin write. Im death don shock pipo as di 40-year-old bin dey parliament on Friday for im work bifor di house adjourn sitting dat day. Na first time member of parliament wey win di controversial seat during di 2024 elections. Controversy bin dey about im parliamentary seat Oga Ernest Kumi bin win di 2024 parliamentary elections for di constituency but opposition party at dat time, di national democratic congress (NDC) tok say dem bin tiff dat election, allegedly. Di NDC tok day irregularities like vote-buying and rigging bin happun for di elections. Di electoral commission declare di results as Ernest Kumi - 19,269 votes wey im opponent , di NDC candidate oga Boakye Yiadom bin get 17,206 votes. But di NDC candidate bin challenge di results for di Koforidua high court wia dem file injunction say make dem no swear oga Ernest Kumi in as MP on January 6, 2025. Na so di court gree wia dem tok say make oga Kumi no hold imserf as MP for di area unless dem determine di substantive case. But during di swearing in ceremony for di new MPs on di night of 6 January 2025, oga Ernest Kumi don enta parliament for di swearing-in. Even tho di clerk bin read one statement on di floor of di house say dem receive court documents say make dem no swear am in, oga Ernest Kumi still dey di chamber wey im recite di oath of office as MP. Na so di high court for Koforidua bin cite oga Ernest Kumi for contempt of court. Throughout di contempt proceedings oga Kumi no attend di sittings, na so di court now issue bench warrant to arrest am. Later, im party di NPP bin write to di court say im no dey available for di court sittings sake of im gatz parliamentary duties, but di court bin reject dat excuse. Lawyers for di MP now enta Supreme Court to challenge di contempt conviction wia dem win. Di Supreme Court for majority 4-1 decision bin quash di contempt conviction of di high court for Koforidua. But di Supreme Court no gree to dismiss di opposition NDC election petition against di results for dat constitution. Di substantive petition case still bin dey bifor di Koforidua high court bifor oga Ernest Kumi don die on 7 July 2025. "Wit dis development, as im don die, di legal matter wia be di election petition wia im dey involved, don end," one private legal practitioner Denis Pwaberi Wedam don tok di BBC. Wetin go happun next For di Ghana electoral laws, if lawmaker die while im dey for parliament, dem gatz to hold bye-election for di constituency. Di party wia di decreased pesin dey represent, go president anoda candidate for dat by-election. Until 2020, four wives of MPs wey die while dem dey parliament don succeed dia husbands. Madama Akanvariba Lydia Lamisi bin enta parliament to succeed her husband David Adakudugu wia bin die on 20 September 2019 afta im fall sick. Since dem she bin win di subsequent elections for 2020 and 2024 to remain for parliament as di MP for Tempane constituency. She dey appointed by President John Mahama now, as minister of state for Public sector reforms. Bifor her, madam Linda Ocloo wia be wife of MP for Shai Osudoku constituency (Desmond William Ocloo) don succeed her husband afta im die for car crash in March 2016. She don win di 2020 and 2024 elections wia she di current president don appoint her as minister for di Greater Accra region. Anoda wife of MP wey die, Lydia Alhassan, don succeed her husband Kyerematen Agyarko wey die as im be MP for Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency. Madam Lydia bin serve di remaining term of office for her husband from 2018 to 2020 bifor she stand elections for 2020 to win di elections for dat constituency. Later for di former government of Nana Akuffo-Addo, dem appoint her minister for sanitation. But for di 2024 elections she bin lose to actor John Dumelo wey don dey represent di pipo of Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency. Di oda woman wey succeed her late husband for parliament na madam Ophelia Hayford wey be police officer. Her husband been die for one robbery aattack when im dey return from campaign. Di NPP now nominate her to replace her late husband for di 2020 elections wia she win am. She bin dey represent di pipo of Mfamtsiman for di central region since den; she also win di 2024 elections to remain for parliament. E no dey clear at dis stage whether im wife go dey interested to succeed her late husband as MP for di Akwatia constituency. If she gree to inherit di seat by her husband, di party (NPP) go nominate her to contest for di by-election wit oda parties. If she win, den she go represent di pipo of Akwatia for parliament but if di party decide to select anoda candidate for di by-election, na dat pesin go be di MP for di area if im win di by-election. Profile of di late Ernest Kumi Ernest Kumi bin comot Akim Wenchi, wia dem born am for Wednesday 5 December 1984. Im be Christian wey dis na di first time im dey represent di pipo of Akwatia for parliament. Bifor im become politician wey win di parliamentary elections, im bin dey work as senior manager - securities and administration for American Tower corporation, according to official informate from di Ghana parliament. Bifor im death, im bin member on top di lands and natural resources committee for parliament. Di late MP Ernest Kumi gat LLB law degree from Mountcrest University college and MBA for corporate governance from di university of professional studies (UPSA).
SBS Australia
06-07-2025
- General
- SBS Australia
The music icon and croc hunter who was a driving force for NAIDOC Week
Ted Egan isn't just a songwriter with an extensive and well-known catalogue documenting life in the Northern Territory. As a public servant, he also played a significant role in the formation of the group behind what is today known as NAIDOC (National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee) Week. Born in 1932 in Melbourne, Egan moved to the Top End in 1949 and started working for the NT Department of Aboriginal Affairs. His work as a patrol officer and reserve superintendent took him out of the city and on to cattle stations and crocodile-hunting expeditions. In his late 30s, Egan worked as a project officer with the Office of Aboriginal Affairs: a new national agency within the Prime Minister's Department that had been established following the successful 1967 Referendum, which saw the Commonwealth now having overall responsibility for Aboriginal affairs. In 1970, a year after Egan wrote the track Gurindji Blues with land rights leader Vincent Lingiari, Egan was sent to Sydney to attend the annual general meeting of the Commonwealth Council of NADOC (National Aborigines' Day Observance Committee). The purpose of the National Aborigines Day Observance Committee was to "create and promote an informed public opinion on the status and needs of the Aborigines". The committee had been set up back in 1957, two years after the National Missionary Council of Australia (NMCA) had asked the federal government to establish a National Aborigines Day. While denying the request for a National Day, the federal government supported a National Aborigines Day via funding for publications, leaflets and stickers as a way of "creating and promoting an informed public opinion on the status and the needs of the Aborigines … as to what is being done, and what remains to be done". In 1969, the NADOC Federal Executive was made up of Rev Frank Engel (chairman), Rev Robert Denham (secretary), Rev Richard Udy (treasurer) and committee members: Rev Robert Brown (SA), Rev James Sweet (Qld), Rev G Night (NSW), Mr Ken Colbung, Mrs S Dunn (NSW), Rev E Newman (NSW) and Pastor Schultz (NSW). A turning point In the overall historical context of National Aborigines Day or NAIDOC Week, the February 1970 meeting of the National Executive was a turning point. At the meeting, there was a move to elect an Aboriginal man — Ken Colbung from WA — as the new National Chairman. Colbung was the Secretary for NSW NADOC which had large staunch Aboriginal membership including Kaye Mundine, Clive and Tom Williams, Charles 'Chicka' Dixon, Lyall Munro, Bert Groves and Reverend Frank Roberts. It would be the first time an Aboriginal person would be at the helm of the National Committee; Lester Bostock was also elected a joint treasurer. On returning to Darwin, Egan typed up a report to his supervisor — Frank H Moy, assistant director (research) at the Office of Aboriginal Affairs — about the meeting. "The members of the outgoing committee seemed anxious to replace some of the church officials on the Executive with Aboriginals and this is an encouraging sign," he wrote. Egan recommended that NADOC should be a national committee made up entirely of Indigenous representatives. Moy endorsed his observation about the lack of Aboriginal people on the National Executive. "We have been lecturing them on this for two years now," Moy scrawled in pen over this section of Egan's report. In his report, Egan went further, writing that the NADOC should be a national committee made up entirely of Indigenous representatives. "It seems to me that if this is to become a national body, NADOC should appoint a representative (preferably an Aboriginal) in each state," Egan wrote. "Mr Phillip Roberts would be an ideal choice for the Northern Territory and perhaps one of our liaison officers for the ACT. Could it be suggested to NADOC that an Aboriginal be appointed in each State, NT and ACT?" From National Aborigines Day to NAIDOC Week Later that year, in September 1970, the annual general meeting of the National Council of NADOC saw Indigenous representatives from across the nation attend. These included: Dick Roughsy (Mornington Island Qld) G Winnunguj (Goulburn Island NT), Tom Williams (Foundation Aboriginal Affairs NSW), George Abudullah (WA), Lyall Munro (Moree Advancement Committee), Kath Walker (National Tribal Council), and Dulcie Flower and Faith Bandler (Federal Council for the Advancement of Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders - FCAATSI). Egan also used his report to cheekily comment on the lack of interest in the NT about the national celebrations. "I know at present in the Northern Territory little is done towards the observance of National Aborigines Day because it is considered to be a day on which a few 'compensation neurotics' do a bit of stirring in Sydney," he wrote. LISTEN TO SBS News 04/07/2025 05:58 English Egan's attendance at the meeting occurred in an era of growing calls to make National Aborigines Day a proper national day. "It seems to me that there should be a move to make it a national day in its true sense," Egan summarised in his report. "I think that our role should be to make the thing financially secure as far as publications etc are concerned and thereby make it an attractive enough proposition for Aborigines to take over 'their day'," he concluded. Ken Colbung would again sit as National Chairman in 1971 with Pastor Frank Roberts, Kath Walker and Dulcie Flower joining him on the National Executive. In 1972, control of NADOC was given to the newly established Commonwealth Department of Aboriginal Affairs, and in 1974, the Committee had full Aboriginal representation for the first time. In 1975, National Aborigines Day became NAIDOC Week. By this point, Egan had already released several albums and begun to establish his reputation as a musical chronicler of outback life. He would go on to be a member of the first National Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation and serve as administrator of the Northern Territory from 2003 to 2007. NAIDOC Week will be marked 6-13 July.
SBS Australia
05-07-2025
- General
- SBS Australia
National Aborigines Day: How an Australian icon wanted to make it a 'true' national day
Ted Egan isn't just a songwriter with an extensive and well-known catalogue documenting life in the Northern Territory. As a public servant, he also played a significant role in the formation of the group behind what is today known as NAIDOC (National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee) Week. Born in 1932 in Melbourne, Egan moved to the Top End in 1949 and started working for the NT Department of Aboriginal Affairs. His work as a patrol officer and reserve superintendent took him out of the city and on to cattle stations and crocodile-hunting expeditions. In his late 30s, Egan worked as a project officer with the Office of Aboriginal Affairs: a new national agency within the Prime Minister's Department that had been established following the successful 1967 Referendum, which saw the Commonwealth now having overall responsibility for Aboriginal affairs. In 1970, a year after Egan wrote the track Gurindji Blues with land rights leader Vincent Lingiari, Egan was sent to Sydney to attend the annual general meeting of the Commonwealth Council of NADOC (National Aborigines' Day Observance Committee). The purpose of the National Aborigines Day Observance Committee was to "create and promote an informed public opinion on the status and needs of the Aborigines". The committee had been set up back in 1957, two years after the National Missionary Council of Australia (NMCA) had asked the federal government to establish a National Aborigines Day. While denying the request for a National Day, the federal government supported a National Aborigines Day via funding for publications, leaflets and stickers as a way of "creating and promoting an informed public opinion on the status and the needs of the Aborigines … as to what is being done, and what remains to be done". In 1969, the NADOC Federal Executive was made up of Rev Frank Engel (chairman), Rev Robert Denham (secretary), Rev Richard Udy (treasurer) and committee members: Rev Robert Brown (SA), Rev James Sweet (Qld), Rev G Night (NSW), Mr Ken Colbung, Mrs S Dunn (NSW), Rev E Newman (NSW) and Pastor Schultz (NSW). A turning point In the overall historical context of National Aborigines Day or NAIDOC Week, the February 1970 meeting of the National Executive was a turning point. At the meeting, there was a move to elect an Aboriginal man — Ken Colbung from WA — as the new National Chairman. Colbung was the Secretary for NSW NADOC which had large staunch Aboriginal membership including Kaye Mundine, Clive and Tom Williams, Charles 'Chicka' Dixon, Lyall Munro, Bert Groves and Reverend Frank Roberts. It would be the first time an Aboriginal person would be at the helm of the National Committee; Lester Bostock was also elected a joint treasurer. On returning to Darwin, Egan typed up a report to his supervisor — Frank H Moy, assistant director (research) at the Office of Aboriginal Affairs — about the meeting. "The members of the outgoing committee seemed anxious to replace some of the church officials on the Executive with Aboriginals and this is an encouraging sign," he wrote. Egan recommended that NADOC should be a national committee made up entirely of Indigenous representatives. Moy endorsed his observation about the lack of Aboriginal people on the National Executive. "We have been lecturing them on this for two years now," Moy scrawled in pen over this section of Egan's report. In his report, Egan went further, writing that the NADOC should be a national committee made up entirely of Indigenous representatives. "It seems to me that if this is to become a national body, NADOC should appoint a representative (preferably an Aboriginal) in each state," Egan wrote. "Mr Phillip Roberts would be an ideal choice for the Northern Territory and perhaps one of our liaison officers for the ACT. Could it be suggested to NADOC that an Aboriginal be appointed in each State, NT and ACT?" From National Aborigines Day to NAIDOC Week Later that year, in September 1970, the annual general meeting of the National Council of NADOC saw Indigenous representatives from across the nation attend. These included: Dick Roughsy (Mornington Island Qld) G Winnunguj (Goulburn Island NT), Tom Williams (Foundation Aboriginal Affairs NSW), George Abudullah (WA), Lyall Munro (Moree Advancement Committee), Kath Walker (National Tribal Council), and Dulcie Flower and Faith Bandler (Federal Council for the Advancement of Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders - FCAATSI). Egan also used his report to cheekily comment on the lack of interest in the NT about the national celebrations. "I know at present in the Northern Territory little is done towards the observance of National Aborigines Day because it is considered to be a day on which a few 'compensation neurotics' do a bit of stirring in Sydney," he wrote. LISTEN TO SBS News 04/07/2025 05:58 English Egan's attendance at the meeting occurred in an era of growing calls to make National Aborigines Day a proper national day. "It seems to me that there should be a move to make it a national day in its true sense," Egan summarised in his report. "I think that our role should be to make the thing financially secure as far as publications etc are concerned and thereby make it an attractive enough proposition for Aborigines to take over 'their day'," he concluded. Ken Colbung would again sit as National Chairman in 1971 with Pastor Frank Roberts, Kath Walker and Dulcie Flower joining him on the National Executive. In 1972, control of NADOC was given to the newly established Commonwealth Department of Aboriginal Affairs, and in 1974, the Committee had full Aboriginal representation for the first time. In 1975, National Aborigines Day became NAIDOC Week. By this point, Egan had already released several albums and begun to establish his reputation as a musical chronicler of outback life. He would go on to be a member of the first National Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation and serve as administrator of the Northern Territory from 2003 to 2007. NAIDOC Week will be marked 6-13 July.
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Yahoo
Cherokee County grieves passing of retired sheriff
CHEROKEE COUNTY, Texas (KETK) – The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office announced on Tuesday the death of their former longtime sheriff, James Campbell, who served the county for 26 years. AFFIDAVIT: Winnsboro ISD coach arrested after attempting to hide sexual relationship between another coach, student Campbell began his tenure as sheriff of Cherokee County in 1994 and served in that position until his retirement in 2020. Before his time in Cherokee County, Campbell served as a highway police officer for the Texas Department of Public Safety. 'We thank Sheriff Campbell for his dedicated 54 years of service to this state and the citizens of Cherokee County. Sheriff Campbell was a true public servant and devoted his life to his community and family,' the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office said. 'Though he is no longer with us, Sheriff Campbell has left a permanent mark on both civilians and law enforcement officers that will continue to guide and inspire us.' The sheriff's office offers its thoughts and prayers to his family during this difficult time Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
