Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be aware that this story may contain the images and names of people who have passed.
Google Australia has commemorated the 64th birthday of the late Mandawuy Yunupingu with a doodle that celebrates his decorated legacy as a musician, educator, and civil rights activist.
His wife, Yalmay said that the family is honoured that he has been recognised by the widely used search engine.
“Through his music, he tried to spread a message of hope, he wanted to make Australia and the world a peaceful place. This special thing will help to commemorate all of the work that he did for the Yolngu people, Australia, and the world.” Ms Yunupingu said.
Mr Yunupingu was a Yolngu-Gumatj man from Yirrkala in North-East Arnhem Land.
Most notably, he was the leader of the iconic band Yothu Yindi, while he also held degree in education and spent several years teaching in his hometown.
A spokesperson for Google Australia told NITV News that the doodle is an opportunity to reflect on Yunupingu’s legacy and to showcase the principals and passion that drove him.
“In addition to starting the internationally acclaimed band Yothu Yindi, whose powerful music spread traditional Indigenous sounds around the world, Yunupingu was an accomplished educator and proud custodian of his culture.” they said.
Australian Rules pioneer Sir Douglas Nicholls, artist Albert Namatjira, humanitarian Mum Shirl and land rights campaigner Eddie Mabo have also been honoured by Google in the past.
