Roy Marika facts for kids
Roy Dadaynga Marika MBE (around 1925 – 1993) was an important Aboriginal Australian artist and a strong voice for Indigenous rights. He was part of the famous Marika family. His brothers were Mawalan 1 Marika, Mathaman Marika, Milirrpum Marika, and Dhunggala Marika.
From 1970, Roy Marika was the leader of the Rirratjingu clan. This clan is part of the Yolngu people who live in Arnhem Land, Northern Territory. He was also the president of the Yirrkala Village Council on the Gove Peninsula.
A Leader for His People
Roy Marika and his brothers were very active in fighting for the rights of Indigenous Australians. Four of them were also well-known Aboriginal artists.
The Fight for Land Rights
The Marika family played a big part in a very important legal case. It was called Milirrpum v Nabalco Pty Ltd. This case is also known as the Gove land rights case. It was named after Roy's older brother, Milirrpum. This case was about protecting the land rights of the Yolngu people.
Before this court case, Roy and his four brothers led other clans. They presented the Yirrkala bark petitions to the Australian Government. These petitions were special documents made on bark. They explained the Yolngu people's deep connection to their land. They asked the government to protect their land from mining.
Roy Marika in Films
Roy Marika also appeared in two films. He acted in Werner Herzog's movie Where the Green Ants Dream in 1984. He was also in the film Banduk in 1985.
His Family
Roy Marika had a daughter named Raymattja Marika and a son named Banula Marika. Both have continued their family's important work.
