The University of Notre Dame Australia has awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters to renowned Yawuru Elder, leader and educator Dr Patrick Dodson, in recognition of his decades-long advocacy for Aboriginal people and profound contribution to reconciliation, justice and education.
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.
Throughout his career, 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 Australian 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.
Through his generosity as an educator and cultural leader, Dr Dodson has helped shape generations of students and strengthened Notre Dame's commitment to reconciliation, cultural learning and engagement with Aboriginal communities across the Kimberley.
"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."
Addressing graduates, he encouraged them to continue learning throughout their lives.
"What you do going forward in life will have a great impact not only on yourself but other people. There are lessons you've learned that have added to your already existing information and knowledge. But to allow your learning to keep going after these important achievements, the intellect has enormous capacity for information and learning, so use it."
In honouring the life and work of Dr Patrick Dodson the University of Notre Dame Australia commits to continuing the story of reconciliation in the Kimberley and across Australia.
Media Contact: media@nd.edu.au