Richard Archibald

Richard Archibald is a Gumbaynggirr man born in 1947. Richard grew up in Kempsey and South West Rocks in Northern New South Wales. Living on Burnt Bridge Mission, Richard watched his Elders struggle to get access to basic services and facilities. This is where his journey began in standing up for Aboriginal rights began.

Showing a deep connection to country, Richard was the first Aboriginal person to carry out ceremony for fallen Aboriginal Diggers so that their spirits could be returned to country. Known for raising the profile of Aboriginal Servicemen, Richard has received acknowledgment from the RSL at both local and state levels. Richard has benefitted the awareness of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians through the delivery and promotion of the Kokoda Project – leading to the “Spirit of the Warriors” DVD, a 30 minute documentary telling the story of the epic journey to bring the spirits of six Aboriginal soldiers who fell on the Kokoda Track back to their Country. This DVD is being distributed nation-wide.

Richard actively promotes awareness of Aboriginal soldiers who have fought for country through schools, working in a voluntary capacity with the Department of Education.