Warlpiri man Hampton appointed councillor on Studies institute

By PETER ROWE

Karl Hampton has been appointed Councillor of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) for a four-year term.

Mr Hampton is a Warlpiri man from Central Australia, who over many decades has become a well-respected leader, researcher and community historian.

“Mr Hampton’s appointment reflects the Institute’s’ commitment to ensuring strong leadership that is deeply rooted in community experience and cultural knowledge,” Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said.

“I congratulate Mr Hampton on his appointment and look forward to seeing his contribution over the next four years, in building a deeper understanding of First Nations histories and contemporary realities.”

Mr Hampton is currently Director of Indigenous Strategy at the Central Desert Regional Council and a member of the Aboriginal Advisory Board for the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory.

He is also a co-founder of the Warlpiri Project which has repatriated hundreds of cultural heritage items from around Australia and the world over the past 5 years with the Warlpiri community.

Mr Hampton’s appointment supports the Institute’s work in promoting knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, traditions, languages and stories.

AIATSIS is Australia’s only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led national cultural institution.

The organisation has recently experienced a strong period of growth, with the opening of an AIATSIS office in Alice Springs.