Central Australian and the nation has lost a significant voice for true Aboriginal recognition and acceptance following the death of proud Arrernte/ Alyawarre, woman Rosalie Kunoth Monks. The powerful, passionate and articulate voice of reason, Ms Kunoth-Monks died in Alice Springs on 26 January 2022 at the age of 85.
Also known as Ngarla Kunoth, Ms Monks OAM was a passionate Aboriginal rights campaigner, actor and politician. Born in 1937 at Arapunya -Utopia cattle station to Anmatyerre / German parents. Her paternal grandfather, Harry Kunoth and grandmother Amelia Kunoth co-managed several cattle stations in the Northern Territory.
Until the age of nine Rosalie learnt the Aboriginal laws of her people, but her father insisted she attend school in Alice Springs. Rosalie who was then staying at St Mary’s Hostel was recruited to play the title role in their 1955 film Jedda. The film went on to become an Australian classic
When the film was completed life returned to normal for a time but a growing belief in her faith saw Rosalie move to Melbourne where she became a nun. After 10 years in the convent Rosalie left to set up the first Aboriginal hostel in Victoria.
In 1970 she married, settled in Alice Springs and became involved in social work and politics. Rosalie stood for election to the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly in 1979 to fight the proposed construction of a dam which threatened sacred land.
Although not elected she continued to oppose the dam and after a long campaign plans for the dam were eventually abandoned.
Rosalie returned to Utopia Station, where she continued to fight for the advancement of her community and her people.
Speaking about the effects of assimilation on her culture and identity on the ABC program Q&A in 2014 Ms Monks comments brought a new level of understanding to many Australians…
