It should have been this girl's 18th birthday. Instead, it was her vigil

On July 6, a 17-year-old girl from the Galiwin ku community was found dead from blunt force injuries in Elcho Island, Northern Territory. Her death has been described as a tragic loss by her family, who remember her as a kind and cheerful young woman who was in her final year of high school and had a leadership role in a local girls empowerment program called Girl Power.

A 34-year-old man has been charged with her murder, and police allege that she was in a domestic relationship with him at the time of her death. The community gathered for a candlelight vigil to remember the young girl, with hundreds of members of the Galiwin ku community marching and lighting candles in her honor.

T. Bukulatjpi, the girl who was allegedly murdered, was known for her kindness, gentle nature, and cheeky humor. Her uncle Marcus Lacey described her as a daughter in Yolŋu terms and mentioned that she was the next in line to learn her grandmother's cultural knowledge. She had been a member of the Girl Power program, which provided young women with a safe space to share their thoughts and learn new skills.

Ms. Jasmine Yunupiŋu, the chairperson of Yalu Aboriginal Corporation, described T. Bukulatjpi as a precious young girl and a leader of the group. She expressed her sadness at the loss of such a kind and loving person and emphasized the need to stand against violence in the community. The vigil also served as an opportunity for community members to speak up against violence and stand together to protect the safety and well-being of their children and families.