Celebrated for sharing his culture with the world, three-time Olympian Patrick "Patty" Mills has been named Person of the Year at this year's NAIDOC Awards.
Mills, a Muralag Torres Strait Islander and Ynunga Aboriginal man, was honoured for using his international profile as an NBA star to advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights.
The award was presented to Mills' father, Benny Mills, at the NAIDOC Ball in Cairns.
The Canberra-born point guard for the San Antonio Spurs has made it his mission to speak about Indigenous culture on a global stage.
Noongar woman Dianne Ryder, who served for 21 years in the Australian Army, was awarded the NAIDOC Lifetime Achievement Award.
The NAIDOC committee said Ms Ryder had a legendary reputation for supporting veterans over two decades.
Ms Ryder urged emerging leaders to "volunteer" to give back to their communities.
The annual awards celebrate Indigenous leaders across the country who often go unnoticed.
This year's NAIDOC Theme is Our Languages Matter, celebrating the diversity and longevity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages.
Badimaya elder Alex "Ollie" George was awarded the Male Elder of the Year achievement.
For decades, Mr George has recorded hundreds of hours of his Badimaya language.
2017 National NAIDOC Award winners:
- Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders-in-Council Aboriginal Corporation (QLD) — Caring for Country Award winner
- Latia Schefe (QLD) — Youth of the Year
- Elverina Johnson (QLD) — Artist of the Year
- Dr James Charles (SA) — Scholar of the Year
- Sharee Yamashita (QLD) — Apprentice of the Year
- Amanda Reid (NSW) — Sportsperson of the Year
- Faye Carr (QLD) — Female Elder of the Year
- Ollie George (WA) — Male Elder of the Year
- Patrick "Patty" Mills (QLD/SA) — Person of the Year
- Dianne Ryder (WA) — Lifetime Achievement Award winner
