The Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC) acknowledges with sadness the passing of Professor Peter Buckskin PSM FACE.

Professor Buckskin was a highly respected Narungga man and Aboriginal leader who fiercely advocated for the education of thousands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

Born in the Yorke Peninsula in South Australia, Professor Buckskin began his career as a school teacher in Broome. He went on to become the youngest appointee to the National Aboriginal Education Committee (from 1981-1988).

A milestone achievement in Professor Buckskin’s career was leading the ‘More Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Teachers Initiative (MATSITI)’, which he led for five years.

MATSITI supported research, workforce projects, as well as a campaign to increase First Nations teachers.

ILSC Board Chair, Mr Ian Hamm, reflected on Professor Buckskin’s decades of leadership and policy influence.

“Vale Professor Peter Buckskin. His legacy will continue to live on through Australia’s education system for years to come, through both students and teachers.

“On behalf of the ILSC, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Professor Buckskin’s loved ones and colleagues,” said Mr Hamm.

  • Condolences

Acknowledgement of Country

In all of the ILSC’s activities we pay our respect to the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands, waters and skies on which we live and work. We honour the resilience and continuing connection to Country, culture, and community of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Australia. We recognise the decisions we make today will impact the lives of generations to come.