Anglican Church’s First Female Aboriginal Priest Dies Aged 91

Reverend Y. Nunggumajbarr, the first Aboriginal woman to be ordained as an Anglican priest, has passed away at the age of 91. She died on Monday at Gove District Hospital in the Northern Territory after a diagnosis of cancer. Reverend Nunggumajbarr was remembered by her family as a “strong cultural woman,” reflecting her deep connection to her heritage and her role within the Anglican Church.

Ordained in 2009 at a ceremony in her home community of Numbulwar, on the Gulf coast in south-east Arnhem Land, Reverend Nunggumajbarr became a significant figure in the Anglican Communion. Her journey to priesthood began in 1974 when she started training at Nungalinya College in Darwin, where she studied theology and linguistics. She later shared that she felt called by God to pursue this path, emphasizing her spiritual commitment.

In 2011, Reverend Nunggumajbarr was featured on the ABC’s Compass program, where she described her early life and the influence of her faith. She recounted growing up on her “motherland” of Wuyagiba and traveling with her parents to the Roper River Mission, which was later relocated to what is now the community of Ngukurr. She spoke of the importance of attending church each Sunday, listening to the word of God, and being part of a faith community.

Throughout her ministry, Reverend Nunggumajbarr served in nearby communities such as Angurugu and Numbulwar for over a decade. Bishop Greg Anderson, in an email to members of the Anglican Dioceses, highlighted her dedication to the gospel and her efforts to spread its message. He noted her focus on the work of the gospel and what was needed to make it flourish.

In her later years, Reverend Nunggumajbarr continued to engage with her cultural heritage through pandanus weaving and painting at the Numburindi Art Centre in Numbulwar. Her daughter, Hilda Ngalmi, described her as well known for her cultural contributions, underscoring the deep respect she earned within her community.

Reverend Y. Nunggumajbarr’s life and ministry reflect a commitment to both spiritual and cultural stewardship. Her legacy serves as a testament to the importance of honoring one’s roots while serving a broader faith community. As Micah 6:8 reminds us, to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with God, Reverend Nunggumajbarr lived a life that embodied these principles.

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