Clarrie Isaacs facts for kids

Clarence Frederick "Clarrie" Isaacs, also known as Yaluritja and Ishak Mohamad Haj, (born 9 April 1948 – died 26 November 2003) was an important Australian Aboriginal activist. An activist is someone who works hard to bring about social or political change. Clarrie Isaacs spent his life fighting for the rights and recognition of Aboriginal people in Australia.

Clarrie Isaacs' Life and Work

Early Life and Education

Clarrie Isaacs went to Perth Modern School. There, he studied technical drawing, which is a way of creating detailed plans and designs. He also attended the Clyde Cameron College in Albury. This was a special training center supported by trade unions, which are groups that protect workers' rights.

Spiritual Journey

Clarrie Isaacs converted to Islam. This is a religion followed by many people around the world. After becoming a Muslim, he made a special journey called a pilgrimage to Mecca. Mecca is a holy city in Saudi Arabia. Completing this pilgrimage earned him the special title of Haj.

Standing Up for Aboriginal Rights

In the early 1990s, Clarrie Isaacs became a key figure in a group called the Aboriginal Provisional Government. This group was formed by activists like Michael Mansell. They aimed to create a self-governing body for Aboriginal people. Clarrie Isaacs sometimes acted as the President of this group.

He and other activists even traveled to Libya using special Aboriginal passports. These passports were issued by their group. When they tried to return to Australia using these passports, immigration officials at first did not want to let them back into the country. This showed their determination to be recognized as a separate nation.

Protecting Cultural Heritage

Clarrie Isaacs was very involved in protests during the late 1980s. These protests were against building on the Swan Brewery site in Perth. This site was very important to Aboriginal people. He also worked hard to bring back the head of a famous 19th-century Noongar warrior named Yagan. Yagan's head had been taken to Britain, and Clarrie wanted it returned to his homeland.

Working for Change in Politics and Health

Clarrie Isaacs believed in making a difference through politics. In 1991, he helped start a political group called the New Left Party. He also ran for election several times. For example, he stood for a seat in the Western Australian Legislative Assembly in 1993. In 1996, he ran for the Western Australian Legislative Council as a candidate for a group called "Racism No!". He wanted to fight against racism and bring about positive changes for everyone.

Beyond politics, Clarrie Isaacs was dedicated to improving health for Aboriginal communities. He was the chairman of the Derbal Yerrigan Health Service. He also represented Western Australia at the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation. This organization helps Aboriginal communities manage their own health services. Clarrie Isaacs was also a Justice of the Peace, which means he could witness documents and perform other legal duties.

Clarrie Isaacs passed away on 26 November 2003 in Dunsborough, Western Australia. He was buried on 12 December 2003 at Pinnaroo Cemetery in Perth. His life showed a strong commitment to fighting for justice and improving the lives of Aboriginal people.