Yami Lester
James Yami Lester
Maralinga nuclear testing
Lester was born at Walytjatjata in the
In the 1950s, while still a young boy, he was blinded by a "black mist" from the south.[2]
After the mist passed, his family's camp experienced sudden deaths, outbreaks of skin rashes,
His most significant contribution to the rights of Aboriginal people was helping gain recognition for the atomic tests at Maralinga and an acknowledgement for the 1800 Aboriginal people affected.[4][5]
His actions helped lead to the McClelland Royal Commission in 1985, which found significant radiation hazards still existed at the Maralinga test sites. Recommendations included group compensation for the Maralinga Tjarutja people and an extensive, long-term cleanup operation to restore the land.
Other activism
As a young man, he joined the
He began work for the United Mission, in
After a position administering business affairs for the
Personal life
Lester had three children: Rosemary, Leroy and Karina, a translator and activist.[6]
He retired to his traditional home at Walatina Station near Marla in the far north of South Australia. He died on 21 July 2017 in Alice Springs at the age of 75.[7] The passing of Yami Lester was a sad event for the Aboriginal community but his legacy and impact still lives on in through the lives of his relatives, this includes Kate Lester. The prime minister of Australia, Malcolm Turnbull paid tribute to Lester describing him as "one of the most significant Aboriginal leaders our country has known".[1]
See also
References
- ^ a b "CONDOLENCES Lester, Mr Kunmanara, OAM". Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 24 September 2017.
- ^ Brain, Caddie (27 September 2011). "55 years since Maralinga atomic bombs". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. ABC Rural. Retrieved 14 July 2017.
- ISBN 1-86465-025-7.
- ^ Blanco, Claudianna (10 May 2017). "'60 years too late': Yami Lester on gold card for Indigenous people victim of nuclear tests". SBS. NITV. Retrieved 14 July 2017.
- ^ Confier, Dan (9 May 2017). "Federal budget 2017: Aboriginal man blind after nuclear tests applauds improved health care". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. ABC News. Retrieved 14 July 2017.
- ^ "Karina Lester weighs-in on SA nuclear dump referendum". SBS. NITV. 15 November 2016. Retrieved 14 July 2017.
- ^ Yami Lester: Aboriginal activist, elder and nuclear campaigner dies aged 75 ABC News, 22 July 2017. Retrieved 22 July 2017.