The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) was saddened to hear of the passing of proud Worimi man Dr William (Bill) Jonas AM on 25 May 2019. Among many other prominent roles Dr Jonas served as Principal of the Institute from 1991 to 1996.
AIATSIS CEO Craig Ritchie said Dr Jonas was a guiding force for not only the Institute but to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community at large.
“Dr Jonas was powerful advocate for the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples throughout his career, from the local level to the national stage, he fought continuously for the improvement of the daily lives of First Australians,” Mr Ritchie said.
Dr William (Bill) Jonas AM. AIATIS.167.BW-N06469_09
Dr William (Bill) Jonas AM. AIATIS.167.BW-N06469_09
“At AIATSIS he oversaw a significant change in how the Institute worked with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities, his legacy is still clearly evident in our practices today. We count ourselves lucky to have been the beneficiary of his leadership. On behalf of the AIATSIS community I extend my deepest condolences to his family and friends.”
Under Dr Jonas’ tenure AIATSIS focussed on becoming a more community-engaged scholarly organisation supporting and disseminating research relevant to Native Title, living cultural and community activity, and pushing an ethical framework for working with Indigenous peoples.
Dr Jonas also co-authored the hugely significant Little Red Yellow Black Book, offering an accessible introduction to Indigenous issues and perspectives to the general public. The title is today still one of the most popular published by the Institute’s publishing arm, Aboriginal Studies Press.
Through his remarkable career Dr Jonas held a number of prominent roles including Director of the Newcastle Awabakal Aboriginal Cooperative, Royal Commissioner on the Royal Commission into British Nuclear Tests in Australia – Maralinga, Director of the National Museum of Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner and Acting Race Relations Commissioner.
His achievements were recognised when he became a Member of the Order of Australia (1993) for services to protection and preservation of Aboriginal heritage and culture, and the Australian Institute of Geographers’ Professional Service Commendation (1999).
You can read more about his remarkable life in a tribute to Dr William Jonas by friend and colleague Emeritus Professor Richie Howitt.
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