Songman Archie Roach has been remembered as the voice of generations and a truth-teller whose death is a loss to his community and the world.
The Gunditjmara (Kirrae Whurrong/Djab Wurrung), Bundjalung Senior Elder, songman and storyteller died at the age of 66 after a long illness.
His sons said Uncle Archie died surrounded by his family and loved ones at Warrnambool Base Hospital in Victoria.
His family has granted permission for his name and image to be used so that his legacy will continue to inspire.
"There aren't adequate words to sum up the loss of Uncle Archie Roach, to the Community, to the nation or indeed the world," the First People's Assembly of Victoria said.
"Rest in power, Uncle, we'll see you in the Dreamtime."
Uncle Archie was born in Mooroopna in Victoria. A member of the Stolen Generations, he was only three when he was forcibly removed from his family.
His biggest song, Took the Children Away, told his deeply personal story of loss. But it became the song of healing and truth for the generations of stolen children, winning two ARIA awards and a Human Rights Achievement Award.
Karen Mundine, the chief executive of Reconciliation Australia, said she was saddened and numbed by the news of his death.
"As First Nations People, we found we comfort in his songs, we found reflection in his songs, our stories but I think also for the Australian people … he has had such an impact in the music scene and industry."
Singer-songwriter Paul Kelly, who worked with Uncle Archie on his first album, said: "Big tree down. Weeping in the forest."
Gunditjmara woman Jill Gallagher, chief executive of the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO), said it felt like "a little bit of hope has gone".
"Uncle Archie, through his music, brought that hope, because he told the world … Australia does have a dark history," she told the ABC.
"And he showed the world that Aboriginal people are still here. And we have a story to tell."
Uncle Archie's work was inextricably tied to activism and he spoke often about the responsibility to connect and heal.
"A pioneering musician and survivor of the Stolen Generations," Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney said.
"Your songs will live forever. Thank you, Archie for everything you gave us."
Uncle Archie released five albums, a children's book about the Stolen Generations, a memoir and a poetry book.
Through his prolific career, he toured nationally and internationally, including with artists including Bob Dylan, Billy Bragg, Tracy Chapman and Patti Smith.
"Sorry to hear of the death of the great Indigenous Australian songwriter and activist Archie Roach," Bragg said.
"His passing is not just a loss to Australia, but also to all of us who believe that music can be used as a tool to seek justice."
Olympic gold medallist Cathy Freeman said she would remember Archie as "such a courageous story teller and remarkable musician".
Uncle Archie and his wife Ruby Hunter moved to Melbourne in the late 1980s after forming a band with other Indigenous musicians.
After Ruby died in 2010, Uncle Archie suffered a stroke and endured other health problems, including lung cancer. Despite having a lung removed, he continued to perform with the help of an oxygen tube.
Yorta Yorta rapper Briggs, who performed with Uncle Archie a number of times, said simply: "Thank you Unc, for everything. Rest easy."
"Journey well to the dreaming Uncle Archie Roach," Malyangapa and Barkindji rapper Barkaa said.
"Thank you for filling my childhood home with so much strength, soul and heart. Condolences to the families and loved ones on this sad day.
"You will never be forgotten, thank you for paving the way for us.
"Thank you for giving us a voice."
Hunters and Collectors frontman Mark Seymour said it was "impossible to measure the importance of this man's contribution to our nation's story".
"Archie's work was essential to our understanding of Indigenous strength and the capacity to endure oppression," he said.
"His songs will be remembered."
Friend and member of the band Goanna Shane Howard, who played with Uncle Archie across decades and produced his Journey album, said he was "deeply saddened".
"When I saw him a few days ago he said, 'When I was younger, I thought my life was cursed, but this far down the track I think I was blessed'," Howard said.
"Let our tears fall tonight for what the whole country has lost."
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reflected that Uncle Archie's music came "from a well of trauma and pain" and his "music and his indomitable spirit" would live on.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said: "Few people have put the pain, the suffering, the hope and the pride of Aboriginal people into words like Archie Roach.
"His music is remarkable because it tells a remarkable story," he said.
"His own story."
VACCHO's Jill Gallagher said she would remember Uncle Archie as "a true statesman".
"He was a quiet achiever. He didn't go out looking for accolades," she said.
"He wanted to tell his story. And he wanted to tell our story as Aboriginal people, and the only way he could do that was through his music.
"And he made the world stand up and listen and hear."
Visit ABC iview and ABC listen, where you’ll find special interviews and performances from legendary artist Archie Roach. From Anh’s Brush With Fame to Conversations, AWAYE!, Like A Version, and more. And catch Blak Out with Nooky, paying tribute to Archie Roach from 5pm on Sunday across triple j and Double J.
