This report contains the name and image of someone who has died.

Sam Lovell OAM, a trailblazer in Indigenous tourism and a respected Kimberley figure, passed away on Saturday, aged 92.

Mr Lovell, known as 'Mr Kimberley' and often regarded as the 'father of Aboriginal tourism in Western Australia,' dedicated his life to opening doors for Aboriginal people in the tourism industry.

In the face of systemic and widespread racism, Mr Lovell's life's work made a profound impact establishing Aboriginal tourism, advancing community development, and preserving Aboriginal cultural heritage.

The Nyikina Elder's work inspired generations, highlighting the significance of Aboriginal knowledge, storytelling, and connection to Country in shaping Australia's tourism landscape.

The Shire of Derby West Kimberley is flying its flags at half mast as a sign of respect for the late Mr Lovell.

Shire President Peter McCumstie said Mr Lovell was a great gentleman.

"A man who will be very, very sorely missed by not only the people in Derby but across the whole Kimberley, the state, and I would even go so far as to say the country," he said.

Mr Lovell and his wife Rosita founded Kimberley Safari Tours in 1981. He spent many decades documenting life in the region with his camera. His work across a range of endeavours was recognised with an Order of Australia Medal in 2003.

State Library of Western Australia CEO and State Librarian, Catherine Clark, said the significance of Mr Lovell's photographic and documentary collection "and his rich contributions to the state cannot be overstated".

"Sam was one of two Aboriginal people that we know of who had a box brownie camera in Western Australia from the 1950s onwards. He was able to document his life from a young age and provide a unique lens and perspective on life in the North West," she said.

Bart Pigram, who co-curated the 'Hello, this is Sam Lovell' exhibition with Sarah Yu earlier this year said: "Sam and Rosita's tourism initiative exceeded industry and cultural barriers through Kimberley Safari Tours."

"To be able to break into the tourism industry, excel in the industry, and to also maintain cultural and environmental integrity across most of the Kimberley region pretty much set the standard for all operators that followed," he said.

"We may not have the diverse range of Aboriginal tourism operators in Western Australia today if not for the endeavour of Sam and Rosita Lovell."

Mr Lovell was born in 1933 in Calwynyardah and lived a life of resilience and service to his community.

At the age of just three he was forcibly removed from his family and sent to Moola Bulla, a government run station west of Halls Creek, where he spent most of his childhood and adolescence. He never saw his parents again, and he remained determined to maintain a connection with his culture and his people.

Mr Lovell's early days included working as a stockman in remote areas of Western Australia. His photographs from the time provide a rare insight into the establishment of the pastoral industry from an Indigenous perspective.

Over the years, Mr Lovell played a crucial role in promoting Indigenous tourism, guiding countless visitors through Australia's rugged landscapes and sharing his intimate knowledge of the land, stories and peoples.

His passion for storytelling was instrumental in preserving Indigenous heritage, ensuring that traditional knowledge is passed down through generations.

Mr Lovell's legacy extends far beyond his business ventures; he also worked tirelessly to mentor and support emerging Indigenous tourism operators, helping them establish sustainable businesses that celebrate Aboriginal culture.