Noongar Elder and community leader Robert Isaacs has received an honorary doctorate from the University of Notre Dame Australia in recognition of more than 50 years of service to Aboriginal people.

The Honorary Doctor of Letters was presented during a graduation ceremony in Fremantle, acknowledging his extensive contributions to healthcare, housing, education and reconciliation.

Dr Isaacs, an Elder of the Whadjuk-Bibilmum Wardandi Noongar mob, has spent much of his life advocating for better services and opportunities for Aboriginal communities.

One of his earliest major contributions came in 1975 when he established the Aboriginal Medical Service Dental Clinic to address the lack of culturally appropriate dental care available to Aboriginal people.

The initiative helped lay the groundwork for the development of further Aboriginal-controlled healthcare services.

Dr Isaacs has also been heavily involved in addressing housing disadvantage across Western Australia.

More than 8000 Aboriginal people have been supported through housing programs under his leadership, while his involvement as a director of Noongar Mia Mia has helped provide culturally appropriate accommodation.

His work has extended into the justice system, where he has assisted with land rights disputes and worked to improve relationships between Aboriginal communities and authorities.

Isaacs also helped establish Clontarf Aboriginal College, providing greater educational opportunities for Aboriginal young people.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, he emphasised the importance of education and the benefits it could provide to entire communities.

"For Aboriginal people, education is not only about a certificate, a job, or a career," Dr Isaacs said.

"It is also about dignity, independence and self-determination.

"When a young person gains an education, the benefit does not stop with that one person, it reaches parents and grandparents (and) it reaches brothers, sisters, cousins and children.

"Education becomes more than individual progress; it becomes community progress."

Dr Isaacs also spoke about the role education could play in reconciliation and improving understanding of Australia's history.

"When education is grounded in truth and respect, it can challenge ignorance, build understanding and help bring people together," he said.

The Noongar Elder has maintained a longstanding relationship with Notre Dame, including delivering the university's Nulungu Reconciliation Lecture in 2021.

He has also regularly engaged with students and staff across the university's campuses.

Upon receiving the honorary doctorate, Dr Isaacs acknowledged those who had supported him throughout his career.

"I accept this degree with gratitude and I share it with the many people who have put their trust in me over the years, my community, my colleagues, the elders and leaders who guided me and those who have worked alongside me in the long journey of service," he said.

Isaacs has previously received numerous national honours, including the Centenary Medal and appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia.

In 2016, he was named Western Australian of the Year, Western Australian Aboriginal of the Year and NAIDOC Male Elder.