Patrick Dodson

Professor Patrick Dodson is a prominent Aboriginal leader and Yawuru man from Broome, Western Australia, currently serving as a Professor within the Nulungu Centre for Indigenous Studies at The University of Notre Dame Australia’s Broome Campus. He is a former Chairman of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation and former Commissioner into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, with a career dedicated to Indigenous justice and national reconciliation.

At the University of Notre Dame Australia, Dodson delivered the lecture Indigenous Rights: Beyond Symbolism at the Sydney Campus, challenging the Australian Government to transition from symbolic gestures like the 2008 Apology to a framework of accountability for Indigenous justice. His work emphasizes the collective responsibility of all Australians in achieving meaningful dialogue and action for reconciliation, reflecting his interdisciplinary engagement with law, policy, and human rights.

Dodson’s affiliation with the Nulungu Centre for Indigenous Studies highlights his commitment to advancing Indigenous knowledge systems and addressing systemic inequities. He continues to advocate for structural reforms that embed Indigenous perspectives into national governance and social frameworks.