Recipient of the Public Service Medal, and Fellow of the Australian College of Educators.
Narungga Elder, educator, advocate and lifelong champion of Aboriginal Education
SAATECC
SAAETCC acknowledges with deep sadness the passing of Professor Peter Buckskin PSM FACE, a respected Narungga Elder from Yorke Peninsula and one of Australia’s most significant Aboriginal education leaders.
For many years Professor Peter has led SAAETCC as the peak organisation for Aboriginal Education in South Australia. SAAETCC acknowledges the deep commitment and shared wisdom of Professor’s life-long work.
Across more than four decades, Professor Peter dedicated his life to strengthening Aboriginal education, self-determination and community voice. His work reached across classrooms and communities to universities, government, national policy and international Indigenous education spaces.
| “Aboriginal students must not only survive, but thrive academically, culturally and socially.”
Professor Buckskin’s foreword to the Aboriginal Education Strategy 2019-2029. |
“Professor Peter’s contribution to Aboriginal education in South Australia cannot be overstated. He understood that education is not only about academic achievement; it is about culture, identity, family, community and the right of Aboriginal children to thrive as proud Aboriginal learners. His leadership shaped the path we continue to walk today.” Christine Thyer, CEO.
A lifelong champion of Aboriginal education, self-determination and community voice
Professor Peter dedicated his life to education – not simply as a profession, but recognising it as a pathway for Aboriginal children, young people, families and communities to be seen, heard, respected and supported to thrive. His passion and commitment for Aboriginal education saw him oversee every important education policy over his many years of leadership.
For decades, Professor helped shape Aboriginal education from within classrooms through to the highest levels of policy and governance. His work included roles as a classroom teacher, Ministerial Adviser, Superintendent of Schools, senior executive across state and Commonwealth government, Dean at the University of South Australia, Chair of SAAETCC, and Inaugural Chair of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Corporation.
Through these roles, Professor Peter carried a clear and consistent message: Aboriginal children and young people must be supported to achieve their highest potential while remaining strong in culture, identity, family, community and Country.
His leadership at SAAETCC was central to the development of South Australia’s Aboriginal Education Strategy 2019-2029.
Professor Peter believes that Aboriginal students’ education experience should ensure they “not only survive, but thrive academically, culturally and socially throughout their learning journey.”
That statement reflects the deeper purpose of his life’s work. Professor Peter understood that education must never be separated from culture, identity or community. He called for a culturally safe and responsive education system, stronger relationships between families, teachers and schools, and a learning partnership centred around the child. He often said, “remember to not focus on getting the child ready for school, but to get the school ready for the child”
His leadership reflects the principles that continue to guide Aboriginal community-controlled reform today: self-determination, Aboriginal voice, shared accountability, truth-telling, and genuine partnership. He consistently challenged systems to listen to Aboriginal families and communities, and to recognise Aboriginal knowledge, leadership and lived experience as central to better outcomes.
He was recognised for his service and leadership through the Public Service Medal, the Frank G. Klassen Award for leadership and contribution to teacher education, the National Deadly Award for Outstanding Achievement in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education, and Fellowship of the Australian College of Educators.
For SAAETCC, his passing is a profound loss. Professor Peter was a leader, mentor, advocate and knowledge holder whose contribution helped shape the direction of Aboriginal education. He was also a friend who cared deeply for those he worked with.
We honour Professor Peter Buckskin for his courage, wisdom, persistence and service.
We acknowledge his family for their deep personal loss.
We resolve to continue his legacy.
Vale Professor Peter Buckskin.
Rest in the Dreaming.