Kumanjayi Little Baby: Advocates say five-year-old’s death ‘should not be politicised’ as hundreds gather at vigils

The national body representing First Nations children has called for an end to the politicisation of the death of Kumanjayi Little Baby, as hundreds of people gathered around the country to mourn her passing. Community vigils were held across Australia on Thursday to honour the five-year-old Warlpiri girl, whose body was found one week ago after a frantic five-day search. At the Aborigines Advancement League in Melbourne, about 400 people turned out to pay their respects and to honour Kumanjayi Little Baby. Flowers were laid beneath the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags which were at half mast. People wore pink clothing items, were given candles and welcomed with a smoking ceremony before observing a minute’s silence. Floral tributes to Kumanjayi Little Baby in Alice Springs. Photograph: Rhett Hammerton/AAP Yorta Yorta Elder, Uncle Graham “Boots” Cooper, who gave the welcome to country, told Guardian Australia that he hoped vigils being held across the country would help Kumanjayi Little Baby’s family heal. “What we’re doing is remembering a beautiful little girl, but at the same time, to honour her and her family and to make sure that her family is strong through our presence here for that beautiful little girl,” he said. “I hope the families in Alice Springs can heal and they take it in their hearts to see what we’re here for and what we’re doing. …