Archie Roach was a pioneering musician and a voice for generations of Indigenous people.
A survivor of the Stolen Generations, his words resonated deeply with Aboriginal families affected by the forced removal of our children and the disruption of colonisation.
After his passing, many have paid tribute to the legendary Gunditjamara and Bundjalung storyteller.
On Twitter, Bundjalung Bud posted a touching quote by Uncle Archie, describing his longtime love Ruby Hunter.
“Have you ever seen something so exquisite and beautiful that, and that you might, you know be at least a little bit close to or you don’t even think you deserve that to stand in someone’s light. That’s I feel around Ruby sometimes,” it read.
Olympian Cathy Freeman said she will remember Roach as a "remarkable musician".
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"His powerful songs also brought people together. They provided strength and still serve as a source of healing – putting into words what was unspeakable," she said.
Archie’s songs will live forever – etched into our 65,000+ history – and he will be remembered as one of the early Aboriginal artists to bring our music into the mainstream."
While former Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt also paid tribute.
A voice for Indigenous Australia, A voice for the suffering and hardship, A voice for hope and ambition, A voice for his life, and for our people, A voice for all Australians, A great Australian who will be missed," he wrote.
Yorta Yorta rapper Briggs posted on Instagram, thanking Roach for all he's given to Australian music.
"Thank you Unc, for everything. Rest easy," he wrote.
Northern Territory-based community organisation Children's Ground penned a heartfelt tribute.
Source: Instagram: @senatorbriggs
"His work will be written in the pages of our nations history for eternity," they wrote.
"His truth telling, bravery, honesty, dignity gifted us all. He created bridges where there were none - he shared and gave voice to the pain injustices strength and cultural power of First Nations people.
Uncle Archie Roach may have been stolen from his family but his ancestral power was unbroken and undeniable."
Yorta-Yorta man and musician, Neil Morris, also known as DRMNGNOW, said Roach touched the lives of so many.
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Greens Senator Lidia Thorpe reflected on how Uncle Archie and Aunty Ruby Hunter "celebrated + played at my 21st ."
"Thank you for validating the trauma felt in our communities since colonisation. Your music brought us healing and peace. May our ancestors protect and guide you," she wrote.
Bundjalung and Yuin businessman Nyunggai Warren Mundine reflected on his friendship with Uncle Archie and Aunty Ruby.
"You never met a more loving and beautiful couple. They were the most gentle, most wonderful, most welcoming people I've ever met," he said from Garma.
"It's a great tragedy, but at the same time, they're together now. All the pain is gone."
Former Federal Senator and Olympian Nova Peris said his songs will "live on forever".
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Former Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda said "We have lost one of the greatest today."
"Archie will live in our hearts forever."
Darumbal/South Sea academic Amy McQuire posted about Roach's "expression of spirit".
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Many others have posted lyrics to many of Uncle Archie's memorable songs, as the pain of his loss is felt across the world.
