Prominent Aboriginal Educator Dies Suddenly
12 April 2001
The National Tertiary Education Union, representing 25,000 members in higher education, extends its sincere condolences to the family, friends and community of Aboriginal educator Japanangka Errol West, who passed away yesterday.
NTEU General Secretary Grahame McCulloch said that it is important for the Australian educational community to recognise the outstanding contribution he has made to Indigenous Education, and the sadness of many Indigenous Australians at his passing.
Mr McCulloch said that many within the higher education sector acknowledged Errol West as an intellectual warrior, who was always prepared to confront institutional and societal prejudices in the interests of restorative justice and recognition of Aboriginal sovereignty.
\"Errol West was a valued and strong contributor both within the NTEU Indigenous Forum and within higher education generally. Many within higher education have drawn inspiration from Errol\'s forthright approach, and the strength of his convictions. Errol\'s preparedness to talk strongly from and for his people and country will be remembered by everyone who knows his work\" Mr McCulloch said.
During his working life, Errol West lectured at James Cook University, the Australian National University and Southern Cross University, where he worked until his passing away. He served in senior positions within the National Aboriginal Education Committee, and was an active participant in international debates on Indigenous education.
Indigenous colleague and NTEU Indigenous Officer Joel Wright says, \"Errol West, an Indigenous Tasmanian (\"and not the last\"), was highly regarded by all his colleagues both black and white alike, whose work in the face of extreme adversity throughout his career, will be an inspiration to many indigenous people now and for generations to come\".
\"Such is the greatness of the man that he leaves Australia a legacy that not only benefits Indigenous peoples, but also continues to contribute to the critical national debates over reconciliation. In raising the consciousness of non-indigenous people of the history of this country, he has managed to place the burning issue of national identity firmly on the agenda. This truly is a tragic national loss\", Mr Wright said.