Professor Ngiare Brown is set to become James Cook University's first Indigenous Chancellor.

A proud Yuin woman from New South Wales' south coast, Professor Brown is a passionate advocate for improved health outcomes of Indigenous peoples.

She was the first identified Aboriginal medical graduate from NSW, and one of the first Aboriginal doctors in Australia.

In acknowledging her achievement Professor Brown paid tribute to past James Cook University chancellors.

"It is a tremendous honour to be elected to this incredibly important role at JCU and continue the rich legacy left by those who served before me," she said.

"As a proud JCU alumnus, I hope to be able to leverage my experiences in Indigenous affairs, health, education and politics in service of JCU's core business in research and education.

"I look forward to engaging with JCU staff and students and strengthening the crucial role we play in the broader community as a provider of quality tertiary education and world-class research."

James Cook University Vice Chancellor Professor Simon Biggs said Professor Brown will help lead JCU into its next phase of development.

"Professor Brown's Investiture as Chancellor marks a new era for JCU and one that we hope will inspire our students to continue striving for excellence in their chosen fields," he said.

"Having previously been recognised by the University as an Outstanding Alumni, she has an innate understanding of, and appreciation for, the regional areas we serve across northern Queensland and the broader Asia-Pacific.

"I look forward to working with Prof Brown over the coming years."

Professor Brown's Investiture Ceremony will be held at James Cook University's Bebegu Yumba Campus on Thursday, with the ceremony to be followed by the annual Mabo Lecture at the Sir George Kneipp Auditorium.

A Voice to Parliament community event will conclude the week the following day, featuring a panel of experts who will discuss the upcoming referendum.