ONE of Australia's most revered Aboriginal elders, Mayinbungu (Ned Cheedy), has died in Western Australia's Pilbara at the age of 105.

He died peacefully at his home in Roebourne, friends said.

Born on a pastoral property in 1907, Mayinbungu led a humble, private life guiding his Yindjibarndi people through decades of social upheaval, until he became an international celebrity last year via a YouTube video: The Great Native Title Swindle.

This told the story of the Yindjibarndis' long battle with Australia's richest man, Andrew Forrest, and his Fortescue Metals group over mining access to traditional tribal land. The conflict had deeply divided the Aboriginal community.

The film showed the frail old man speaking out passionately for his people, urging unity and singing ancient songs about the history of the Yindjibarndis and their beloved country.