WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised the following article contains the name of an Indigenous person who has died.
The late Professor Peter Bucksin, a visionary educator and "giant of reconciliation" will be honoured with a state funeral this week.
A Narungga man from South Australia's Yorke Peninsula, Professor Bucksin passed late last month, leading to an outpouring of tributes.
Professor Bucksin dedicated his life to improving education outcomes and advancing the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
He began his career as a teacher before holding senior roles in state and federal government, and making major contributions by chairing critical organisations across more than four decades.
On Wednesday, the South Australian Government confirmed a state funeral for "one of Australia's most influential Aboriginal education leaders".
Professor Bucksin has also been remembered for his impact on language, culture, reconciliation and more, on which he leaves a lasting legacy.
On news of his passing, the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Corporation (NATSIEC) wrote Professor Bucksin "dedicated his life to ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples had a sovereign voice in education. He believed deeply that education should be shaped by community, grounded in culture and accountable to the people it serves."
They described him as "a visionary educator, respected leader and tireless advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education".
Professor Bucksin was the inragural chair of NATSIEC.
Its current chief executive and Bardi and Kija person, Shas Jurud, said Professor Buckskin made tireless efforts "to ensure our learners, educators and communities could not only participate in education, but lead it".
South Australia's Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People recognised his "leadership, service, and dedication to community", with South Australia's department of education writing: "His belief was clear and unwavering: that the path to true reconciliation runs through the education of the next generation of young people".
"His legacy will endure in every policy shaped by his advocacy, every curriculum resource informed by his wisdom, and every Aboriginal child who finds opportunity and belonging in our schools." the department continued.
Last week, South Australia premier Peter Malinauskas said Professor Buckskin made "an extraordinary commitment to improving the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people" in his life.
"His wide-ranging and powerful legacy will be forever testament to his remarkable dedication, and his influence will be felt for generations," the premier added.
"It is absolutely fitting that this great South Australian's life is celebrated with a State Funeral in his honour."
On his passing, South Australian Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and deputy premier, Kyam Maher, shared his personal connection with Professor Bucksin, saying the level of his impact on Indigenous education in South Australia, the nation and world more broadly could not be overstated.
"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," Minister Maher said last week.
"He was also a deeply valued friend and mentor to me, and to many others.
Minister Maher added: "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."
The state funeral for Professor Peter Bucksin will be held at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Kaurna Country, Newton at 10:30am on Friday, June 12.
South Australia's Department of the Premier and Cabinet will live-stream the service.
