State Government bids fond farewell to prominent Aboriginal leader.

29/09/06 The State Government has paid tribute to the most senior lawman and Aboriginal leader in the Pilbara at the funeral today of Mr Peter Coppin* in Port Hedland.

29/09/06
The State Government has paid tribute to the most senior lawman and Aboriginal leader in the Pilbara at the funeral today of Mr Peter Coppin* in Port Hedland.
Pilbara Minister Jon Ford said all Western Australians had lost a man of great knowledge and wisdom with the passing of Mr Coppin.
"Mr Coppin made an enormous contribution to Aboriginal people, the Pilbara and the wider community," Mr Ford said.
"Born in 1920 under gum trees at the De Grey River in the Pilbara, he fought courageously throughout his whole life to maintain the culture and language of indigenous people.
"He will be sadly missed and his legacy fondly remembered."
Indigenous Affairs Minister Sheila McHale paid tribute to the life and spirit of the extraordinary elder and lawman.
"Mr Coppin dedicated his life to the fight for Aboriginal rights in WA," Ms McHale said.
"He fought strongly for his culture and language, gaining the respect of both the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal community."
Mr Coppin, or Kangkushot, as he was affectionately known, was a traditional lawman within the Nyamal people and was one of the architects behind the post-World War II industrial strike, when hundreds of workers walked off the job, protesting against their ill-treatment and slave conditions.
It is considered by many people as a landmark for indigenous Australians fighting for their rights.
Mr Coppin's efforts eventually led to better conditions for Aboriginal workers and he was awarded the British Empire Medal in 1972 and was NAIDOC 2002 Elder of the Year.

Mr Coppin also turned the abandoned station of Yandeyarra into a thriving community, which the State Government handed back to the Aboriginal people in 1974 in recognition of their achievements.
Mr Coppin is survived by his wife, Winnie, and children Barry, Ian and Joanne Taylor and Nyaparu 'Margaret' Rose.
*The Minister has been given approval by the Nyamal people to use Mr Coppin's name.
Minister for the Kimberley, Pilbara and Gascoyne's office - 9213 7200