Vale Professor Peter Buckskin AM PSM FACE
Published 25 June 2026. State funeral 12 June 2026.
Educators across South Australia and the nation are mourning the passing of Professor Peter Buckskin AM PSM FACE, a visionary educator, respected academic and tireless advocate for Aboriginal education.
A proud Narungga man from South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula, Peter dedicated his life to advancing educational opportunities, self-determination and reconciliation. Widely respected for his wisdom, humility and leadership, he leaves a legacy that has shaped education policy and practice across Australia.
Peter began his teaching career in the Kimberley region of Western Australia before returning to South Australia in 1980. Throughout his career, he championed the role of education in empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and strengthening communities.
On returning to SA , one of the first things he did was join the SAIT, the teacher’s union at the time.
Alongside leaders such as Professor Paul Hughes and Pat Buckskin, he helped establish nationally significant foundations for Aboriginal education policy, recognition and reform. Their work promoted self-determination, community voice and reconciliation, shaping state and national education policy for decades to come. This work underpinned key industrial developments, such as the Aboriginal Education Workers Award.
Peter held a range of senior leadership positions, including Superintendent with the South Australian Education Department, Chief Executive of the South Australian Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, and Dean of the David Unaipon College of Indigenous Education and Research at the University of South Australia.
Nationally, Peter played a leading role through organisations including the National Aboriginal Education Committee and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Corporation. He was also a driving force behind the influential What Works and Dare to Lead initiatives, which supported educators and school leaders to improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
Peter served for more than two decades as Chair of Tauondi Aboriginal Community College and was a founding leader of Reconciliation SA, helping build stronger relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians.
Throughout his life, Peter advocated for genuine partnership, accountability and respect.
Reflecting on his work in Indigenous Education in 2009 he said:
“I never thought I’d be lucky enough to engage with a largely non-Indigenous group that has the passion I have for Indigenous education and improving outcomes. The original shared vision that we had has stood the test of time. This has truly been a partnership between black and white. There is no lone champion in this. We are all champions together, and everyone is a hero.”
That belief in collective effort and shared responsibility defined his leadership and inspired all who worked with him.
The IEU extends its sincere condolences to Peter’s family, friends and colleagues. We honour his remarkable contribution to education and social justice, and celebrate a life dedicated to creating opportunities for future generations.
His legacy will continue to inspire educators and communities for many years to come.
