William John Kennedy facts for kids
William John Kennedy (1919–2005) was also known as Uncle Jack Kennedy. He spent his life working for the rights of Aboriginal people in Australia. He was an elder of the Wotjobaluk clan. These people spoke the Wergaia language. They lived in the Wimmera region of western Victoria, Australia.
He was born on March 23, 1919, near the Wimmera River. This was close to the Ebenezer Mission. He passed away on September 6, 2005. Uncle Jack was the great-grandson of Dick-a-Dick. Dick-a-Dick was part of the first Aboriginal cricket team. This team toured England in 1867–68.
Military Service
Uncle Jack Kennedy served in the Australian Army. He fought during World War II. He was part of campaigns in Syria and Lebanon. He also served in North Africa and the Pacific.
For his service, he received two awards. These were the Australian Service Medal and the English Defence Medal.
Important Recognition
In 2003, Uncle Jack Kennedy received a special award. He was named Male Elder of the Year. This award was given at the National Aborigines' Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week Awards.
Fighting for Land Rights
Uncle Jack Kennedy worked hard for his people's land rights. This is called "native title." Native title means that Aboriginal people can prove they have a special connection to their traditional lands.
Just three months after Uncle Jack passed away, a big decision was made. On December 13, 2005, a judge named Ron Merkel made a ruling. This ruling was about native title in the Wimmera region.
Justice Merkel spoke about Uncle Jack Kennedy. He said that Uncle Jack had done what his elders expected. He fought for his ancestors' land. He also fought for future generations to have this land.
The judge also said that Uncle Jack's fight showed something very important. It showed that the history of Australia had not taken away all native title rights. This was true even in the south-eastern part of Australia.
Uncle Jack's Wisdom
Justice Merkel directly quoted Uncle Jack Kennedy twice in his decision. These quotes show Uncle Jack's deep connection to his land and culture.
Uncle Jack said:
If we follow Bunjil's law and look after the country then the country will look after us. ... All the rules we have come from Bunjil. I must pass on Bunjil’s law so it continues.
He also said:
I am looking forward to getting some of my country back before I die so I can die knowing I have done what the elders expected of me. The Beal trees are dying at Lake Albacutya because they are not getting enough water. If we look after the river properly it will run clear again, run all the way to the Teardrop Lakes. If the Wotjobaluk continue to follow Bunjil then things will go on as the old people would want.
These words show how much Uncle Jack cared for his land and his people's traditions. He wanted to make sure the land was healthy. He also wanted to pass on the knowledge of his ancestors.
