Vale Professor Peter Buckskin
I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Professor Peter Buckskin PSM FACE —a proud Narungga man, respected leader, educator and tireless advocate for First Nations education.
Professor Buckskin’s distinguished career was defined by an unwavering commitment to improving educational outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and educators, and a firm belief in the transformative power of education.
His work spanned decades of leadership, policy influence and community engagement, leaving a profound legacy across Australia’s education system.
Professor Buckskin brought insight, integrity and deep cultural authority to critical discussions shaping policy and practice. A hallmark achievement of his career was the More Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Teachers Initiative (MATSITI), which he led from 2011 to 2016 and supported collaborative workforce projects, research and a campaign to increase the First Nations teaching workforce.
He engaged with governments across a range of Indigenous Affairs matters, with recent education forums including Indigenous Education Consultative Meetings, and as a member of the National Respectful Relationships Education Expert Working Group.
As Inaugural Chair of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Corporation (NATSIEC), Professor Buckskin’s knowledge, leadership and generosity of spirit strengthened collaboration and helped drive a shared vision for equitable, culturally responsive education.
This leadership was integral to the establishment of the Partnership Agreement between Education Ministers and NATSIEC, and the inclusion of NATSIEC representatives in Education Ministers Meeting to ensure First Nations learners are at the centre of education decisions.
Professor Buckskin’s legacy will live on in the many students, educators and communities he inspired, and in the education systems and reforms he helped shape.
On behalf of the Australian Government and the Department of Education, I extend my deepest condolences to Professor Buckskin’s family, community and his many friends and colleagues.