Key points:

- Peter Buckskin has been remembered for his dedication and legacy in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education

- Professor Buckskin passed away last week

- South Australian deputy Premier Kyam Maher said his impact in Indigenous education in the state, Australia and internationally "cannot be overstated", with others recognising Professor Buckskin as a visionary, advocate and inspiration

Professor Peter Buckskin dedicated his life to ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples had a sovereign voice in education

Tributes have flowed for "visionary educator" and "giant of reconciliation" Professor Peter Buckskin, recognised for his work and impact empowering First Nations education, following his passing.

A Narungga man from South Australia's Yorke Peninsula, the late Professor Buckskin has been remembered as a respected leader and advocate who's dedication and contributions to education as well as language, culture, Aboriginal young people and more, leaves a lasting legacy.

News of his passing brought an outpour of condolences and reflections from organisations, departments, Commissioners and political leaders on Friday.

"Professor Buckskin 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," a National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Corporation (NATSIEC) statement read.

NATSIEC chief executive and Bardi and Kija person Shas Jurud said Professor Buckskin's work over more than four decades, challenging the exclusion of First Peoples in decision-making and tireless work to "to ensure our learners, educators and communities could not only participate in education, but lead it", helped shape the landscape of First Nations education in Australia.

NATSIEC described Professor Buckskin as "a visionary educator, respected leader and tireless advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education".

Professor Buckskin served as the organisation's inaugural chair.

"Throughout his life, Professor Buckskin challenged systems that excluded Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples from decision- making. He spoke openly about the role education had played in assimilation and dispossession, and worked relentlessly to create systems where First Nations learners, educators and communities could not only participate, but lead," the statement continued.

A teacher, who early in his career travelled across the Kimberley's in an effort to develop understanding of what was needed, Professor Buckskin went on to serve in various roles in the education system.

He worked as a ministerial adviser, chair with South Australia's Aboriginal Education and Training Consultative Council, as a dean at the University of South Australia and made significant contributions to UN Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the National Congress of Australia's First Peoples.

Tauondi Aboriginal College in Adelaide paid tribute to "a staunch leader and much respected educator and advocate towards strengthening the educational development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Australia".

Professor Buckskin "championed the importance of culture, identity, and truth-telling, while creating pathways for Aboriginal voices to be heard and respected within education, government, and the broader community," Tauondi College wrote.

"He carried his responsibilities with humility, integrity, and generosity, always seeking to uplift others and create opportunities for future generations.

"His passing is a profound loss to the Aboriginal community, the education sector, and all who had the privilege of working alongside him."

'A giant of reconciliation'

South Australia's Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People shared their sadness and thanks for Professor Buckskin's "leadership, service, and dedication to community".

The state's Department for Education wrote: "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.

Reconciliation South Australia said Professor Buckskin inspired countless people and lived with a dedication for reconciliation through his actions.

He was a "giant of reconciliation", Reconciliation SA wrote.

First Nations man, SA Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and deputy Premier Kyam Maher shared his personal connection to Professor Buckskin.

His contributions to shaping the state's Voice to Parliament Legislation, in Treaty negotiations, and to "Indigenous education in South Australia, across the nation and around the world".

"His impact in that space cannot be overstated," the deputy Premier wrote on Friday.

SA Premier Peter Malinauskas added said it was "impossible to overstate the importance of Professor Peter Buckskin's contribution to Indigenous education", describing the Professor as a "phenomenal South Australian".

Reconciliation Australia and federal Education Minister Jason Clare were also among those sharing their sadness at the news of his passing.

At UniSA, Professor Buckskin was the inaugural Dean of Indigenous Scholarship, Engagement and Research, appointed over a decade ago.

A National Deadly Award, Public Service Award and Fellowship of the Australian College of Educators are among his long list of accolades.

Jurud said "above all, Professor Buckskin will be remembered for integrity, generosity and unwavering commitment to future generations" and that his legacy lives on through those he inspired, guided and challenged — educators, leaders and young people.

They said Professor Buckskin's words "Aboriginal funding needs to glow in the dark".

"He understood that governments must be accountable not only for what they promise, but for where funding goes, who controls it, and whether it reaches Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners and communities," Jurud said.

"His commitment to centring Aboriginal voice, accountability and self-determination was foundational to NATSIEC and remains central to the work we carry forward today. "