Gordon Briscoe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gordon Briscoe
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Briscoe with Bobbi Sykes, Aboriginal Tent Embassy, Canberra, 30 July 1972
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| Born | 1938 (age 86–87) |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Education | BA (Hist), MA, PhD - Australian National University |
| Occupation | Research Fellow |
| Employer | Australian National University |
Gordon Briscoe (born in 1938) is an important Aboriginal Australian person. He is known as an academic (someone who studies and teaches at a university) and an activist (someone who works to bring about change).
In 1997, he made history! He became the very first Indigenous person to earn a PhD (a very high university degree) from an Australian university. Gordon Briscoe was also a talented soccer player.
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Gordon Briscoe's Early Life
Gordon Briscoe was born in Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia. His family comes from the Marduntjara and Pitjantjatjara peoples of Central Australia.
When he was a child, Gordon was separated from his mother. This was part of a sad time in history for many Indigenous children. He grew up and went to school at St Francis House in Adelaide.
Fighting for Change: Briscoe's Activism
Gordon Briscoe has worked hard to help Indigenous Australians. In the 1950s, he helped start the Aboriginal Progress Association in New South Wales.
Later, in the 1960s, he was involved in setting up the Aboriginal Legal Service. This service helps Indigenous people with legal advice. In 1972, he also helped create the Aboriginal Medical Service. This service provides healthcare for Indigenous communities.
During the 1970s, Gordon Briscoe was the treasurer for the Aboriginal Publications Foundation. This foundation published a magazine called Identity. The magazine shared stories and news from Indigenous Australians.
Soccer Star: Briscoe's Sporting Life
Gordon Briscoe was a skilled soccer player. He played for Adelaide Croatia in the state league. He played alongside other important figures like Charles Perkins and John Moriarty.
In 1958, Briscoe moved to England. He hoped to play professional football there. He played for teams like Barnet and Preston North End. He didn't play for their main first teams, but he gained experience.
His old school friend and teammate, Charles Perkins, suggested he return to Australia. After coming back, Briscoe, Perkins, and Moriarty continued to play soccer. They played for the Australian National University Soccer Club from 1968 to about 1972.
Becoming an Academic: Briscoe's University Career
In 1981, Gordon Briscoe began his career at the Australian National University (ANU). He focused on studying Indigenous history. He also helped create the SBS documentary First Australians. This documentary tells the story of Indigenous Australians.
A huge achievement for Gordon Briscoe happened in 1997. He became the first Indigenous person to earn a PhD from an Australian university. This is a very high academic degree.
In 2003, Briscoe became the first Research Fellow at ANU's Centre for Indigenous History. This shows his dedication and importance in the field of Indigenous history.
