Catholic Diocese of Broome

EULOGY

Luis Karadada
Born – 1 July 1925
Entered eternal life – 3 October 2009

Wunambal man Luis Karadada was born in Guibilde to Jurrlalamurra and Dhall.
He was the youngest of four brothers. Jack (Left Hand) is the last surviving brother left.

At the young age of 13, he started working on the lugger boat doing work for the missionaries and for old Dantoine near Guibilde and the surrounding WGAC area in the 1930’s, collecting turtle shells and sea cucumber. He worked along the Peninsula, crocodile hunting with Richard and Joe Hunter. His adventure took him as far as the Pilbara and the Northern Territory.

He came to Kalumburu in his mid 20’s. He participated in the World War 2 effort, with other people to assist the Australian, British and American Army when the Japaneses bombed Kalumburu.

After the war he met his wife, Rosie Peggy, who was that time a young widow. They got married and had seven children. His two eldest sons, Luis and Rosando passed away at an early age and later in life Thomas died in Derby. He and his wife worked as caretakers at Truscott helping Mick Davis and his family. The Davis family left in the early 60’s.

He worked mustering cattle around the Kalumburu area.

Later he started doing art work. He was very skilful at making spears, shields and walloo. He made didgeridoos and knew how to play it.

He was a Justice of Peace and he tried to help his young people to do their parole here. Instead of doing it in the prison and in town.

He was one of the founders and the backbone of the WGAC Corporation and fought passionately for land and sea rights for his people.

He later joined the Kimberley Land Council and was one of the executive members. He travelled for every law and culture meeting that was held. He was a good speaker for land rights.

He helped organise the rangers so that the young people can learn and look after their country and teach other young people too.

He worked hard for his people and for the young people to teach them about their land and culture. He knew that when the old people are all gone, there will be nothing and no one to teach them then.

He was a passionate and loving father and grandfather and uncle.
He loved kids. He and his wife looked after the Williams’ kids and Rosa. They also looked after and grew Justin Djanghara.

He must have been the proudest man to have all his children, grandchildren and great-grand children around him when he died.

May he rest in peace.