The University of Notre Dame Australia has awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters to renowned Yawuru Elder and former politician Patrick Dodson, in recognition of his decades-long advocacy for Aboriginal people and contribution to reconciliation, justice and education. Source: The Record.
Widely known as the “Father of Australian Reconciliation”, Dr Dodson has dedicated his life to advancing justice and understanding between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians through leadership, advocacy, scholarship, education and public service.
The honorary doctorate was conferred on Dr Dodson’s Country at the University’s Rubibi/Broome campus graduation ceremony and recognises his commitment to generations of students at Notre Dame, in addition to his extraordinary contribution to Australian national life.
Born in Rubibi/Broome, Dr Dodson has been a central figure in the political, social and cultural life of the Kimberley for more than five decades.
He would become one of the country’s most respected advocates for reconciliation and Indigenous rights.
Dr Dodson served as a commissioner of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, founding chair of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation and co-chair of the Expert Panel on Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
As a senator for Western Australia from 2016-2024, he continued to champion policies focused on justice, equality and reducing Indigenous incarceration, and served as the Special Envoy for Reconciliation.
Dr Dodson’s longstanding relationship with the University of Notre Dame Australia is of particular significance.
For many years he taught students at the University’s Campus of Reconciliation in Broome in the course Spirituality and the Challenges of Reconciliation, sharing firsthand knowledge of Indigenous law, politics, spirituality and community leadership.
Even during his time serving in the Senate, Dr Dodson returned annually to teach and engage with students undertaking Winter Term immersions and Aboriginal Studies intensives.
He continues to support the university as a guest lecturer and mentor.
“I express my appreciation to you all for bestowing upon me this Honorary Doctor of Letters,” Dr Dodson said
“The fact that this is happening upon Yawuru Country and in my hometown of Broome indicates the university’s commitment to providing tertiary level education opportunities in a remote region.
Reflecting on the importance of education, Dr Dodson said he hoped the recognition would inspire future generations
“I hope this honorary doctorate recognition will encourage the youth from the regions to see education as different from schooling and a wonderful pathway to many encounters that can enrich their lives.”
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Renowned Yawuru Elder Dr Patrick Dodson receives Honorary Doctor of Letters (The Record)
