The federal Minister overseeing the abolition of ATSIC will today pay tribute to one of the organisation's former leaders at a ceremony in Arnhem Land, Mr Djerrkura.

Indigenous Affairs Minister Amanda Vanstone spent yesterday at the Barunga Aboriginal Cultural Festival near Katherine.

Today she will pay her respects to the late Mr Djerrkura - the head of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) between 1996 to 1999.

Mr Djerrkura was a traditional Wangurri elder and was respected in the wider community as a strong leader during his time as ATSIC chair.

Senator Vanstone arrives in Yirrkala after a number of summits in the Top End last week to discuss the way Indigenous people will be represented after the abolition of ATSIC.

The Northern Territory Chief Minister, Clare Martin, will join Senator Vanstone at today's memorial service.