We as Aboriginal people need to think seriously about penning Wills. Not leaving a clear and concise map of how assets need to be distributed and who is the lead responsible person, the executor of the estate can create anger, angst and concern and dysfunctionality in relationships and family breakdowns.” Phil Duncan, Gomeroi Elder
About Wills
A Will is a document that appoints an executor/s to manage a person’s affairs after their death. If someone passes away without a Will, the law decides who will get their assets and other people can make decisions about their funeral and burial, which may not be in line with their wishes.
Making a Will is important for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to:
ensure that end of life decisions are culturally appropriate
prevent disputes about what happens when someone passes away – for example, about where they are buried, or whether they are buried or cremated
make sure the funeral is conducted in the right way
ensure assets are distributed to the right people and children are looked after according to their parent or guardian’s wishes.
Tender Funerals Australia has worked with community members to develop these short videos for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and service providers about making a Will. The videos feature:
Bobbi Murray, Barkindji – Ngiyampaa woman
Phil Duncan – Gomeroi Elder
Professor Prue Vines – author of the Aboriginal Wills Handbook
One video is intended for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the other is for service providers.
Our thanks to Michael O’Donnell, Bobbi Murray, Phil Duncan, Professor Prue Vines, the Ecstra Foundation and the AMP Foundation.
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