The Northern Territory's two major parties have announced their candidates for the Arafura by-election, following the early death of the sitting member late last year.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this article contains the last name of an Indigenous person who has died. 

The Country Liberal Party (CLP) revealed its nomination for the by-election on Saturday, nearly a week after NT Labor announced its candidate.

Both parties have chosen candidates with roots on the Tiwi Islands – the remote archipelago north of Darwin from where all of the past winners of Arafura have hailed.

Running for Labor is Manuel Brown, who was working for the former member of Arafura, Mr Costa, as a liaison officer before he died suddenly of a heart attack late last year, aged 52.

The late Labor member's first name and image are not being used out of respect for cultural protocol.

His state funeral is being held in Darwin on March 1, with a second service to be held on the Tiwi Islands two days later.

Mr Brown has said he had been been living in the west Arnhem community of Maningrida for more than seven years and had had roles on various Aboriginal corporations and the Northern Land Council.

"I've known the Costa family for over 20 years," Mr Brown said in a statement.

"I learned a lot from the former member especially what it means to be a good strong local member and I intend to continue that work if I am elected.

"I want to make sure the people of Arafura continue to have a strong voice in the government."

CLP endorses son of trailblazing politician

The CLP said on Saturday morning it had endorsed Leslie Tungatalum, the deputy mayor of the Tiwi Islands Regional Council, to run.

The CLP said Mr Tungatalum had over the years held various leadership positions in the Aboriginal housing and employment sectors on the Tiwis.

"I'm passionate about developing the long-term growth opportunities for the people of Arafura and other Indigenous Territorians," he said in a statement.