A State Funeral honouring the life and achievements of South Australian Aboriginal leader Professor Peter Buckskin AM PSM will be held on Friday, 12 June 2026.
The funeral will take place at 10.30am at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Kaurna Country, Newton, to honour Professor Buckskin's remarkable legacy across many decades of service championing the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
One of Australia's most influential Aboriginal education leaders, his work shaped policy, strengthened institutions, and improved educational outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Australia and internationally.
Initially a teacher, Professor Buckskin went on to shape and influence major reforms in Indigenous education through senior roles in state and Commonwealth governments.
He held prominent positions including inaugural Chair of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Corporation (NATSIEC), and Dean of the University of South Australia's David Unaipon College of Indigenous Education and Research.
Professor Buckskin represented Australia at international forums including UNESCO and the Working Group of Experts to the UN Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, advancing the recognition and protection of Indigenous rights worldwide.
As a result of his tireless efforts, he was awarded many honours including the Public Service Medal, Frank G. Klassen Award for leadership in teacher education, National Deadly Award for Outstanding Achievement in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education, Fellowship of the Australian College of Educators, and was an Inaugural Board Member of the National Congress of Australia's First Peoples.
Professor Buckskin will be long remembered and celebrated for his dedicated and driven work to improve educational environments for Indigenous people, maintaining and strengthening culture, and advancing the cause of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
He is survived by children Peter and Lorraine.
To attend the State Funeral in person, visit the Department of the Premier and Cabinet website to register and for more information.
For those unable to attend, the funeral will also be livestreamed on the Department of the Premier and Cabinet website and Facebook page.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to White Ribbon Australia via Domestic Violence Donations | Give Now | White Ribbon Australia or the Cancer Council SA via Cancer Council SA - In memory of Professor Peter Buckskin AM PSM
As put by Peter Malinauskas
Professor Buckskin's life was marked by an extraordinary commitment to improving the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
His wide-ranging and powerful legacy will be forever testament to his remarkable dedication, and his influence will be felt for generations.
It is absolutely fitting that this great South Australian's life is celebrated with a State Funeral in his honour.
As put by Kyam Maher
Professor Peter Buckskin was an enormously important leader in Aboriginal Affairs, and was integral to so many policy decisions to advance the interests of Aboriginal people across this country.
He was also a deeply valued friend and mentor to me, and to many others.
Professor Buckskin's contribution to many reforms and conversations that have helped move our state forward cannot be overstated.
It is only fitting that his life and legacy are marked by a State Funeral, and I thank Professor Buckskin's family for working with the State Government to make it a reality.
