Lester Rigney

Professor Lester Rigney is a distinguished academic and leader in Indigenous education at the University of South Australia (UniSA), affiliated with UniSA Education Futures and the Centre for Research in Educational and Social Inclusion. He holds the rank of Professor of Education and co-chairs the Pedagogies for Justice Research Group. His work focuses on Indigenist epistemologies, culturally responsive pedagogies, and advancing social justice in education. Rigney is a descendent of the Narungga Nation and has contributed significantly to national and international Indigenous education policy, including roles in closing the gap initiatives and curriculum development.

His research has been recognized through prestigious awards, including the Member of the Order of Australia (AM) and Fellowship in the Australian Academy of Humanities. He has authored or co-edited influential books such as International Perspectives on Literacies and contributed to journals addressing curriculum, democracy, and racial literacy. Rigney’s work emphasizes Indigenous sovereignty, decolonizing education, and culturally responsive teaching strategies, particularly for Aboriginal students. He has served on high-profile committees, including the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples Ethics Council and the Australian Curriculum Reference Group.

Notable collaborations include partnerships with Kings College London and Deakin University, as well as international research on Indigenous education in Canada, New Zealand, and Taiwan. His publications explore themes like super-diversity in classrooms, Reggio Emilia pedagogy, and the role of affective learning in racial literacy. Rigney’s advocacy extends to media commentary and policy advising, making him a pivotal figure in advancing equity and inclusion in education systems globally.