Margaret Valadian facts for kids

Margaret Valadian, born in 1936, is an important Aboriginal Australian educator. She has worked hard to improve education for Indigenous people. She also speaks up for their rights.

Early Life and Education

Margaret Valadian was born in Darwin, Australia, in 1936. She first worked as a welfare officer in the Northern Territory. Later, she moved to Brisbane to study at university.

In 1966, she made history. She became the first Aboriginal person to graduate from an Australian university. She earned her Bachelor of Social Studies degree from the University of Queensland.

Margaret continued her studies overseas. She earned a Master of Education from the University of Hawaiʻi in 1969. Then, in 1973, she received a Master of Social Welfare from the State University of New York.

Even as a student, Margaret spoke out. In 1963, she talked about how hard it was for Aboriginal students to afford university. She shared her ideas at a big student conference.

Working for Change

In 1978, Margaret Valadian started something special. She founded the Aboriginal Training and Cultural Institute in Sydney. She led this institute with Natasha McNamara until 1990.

A professor named Charles Rowley praised their work. He said he learned a lot about new ways of teaching from them. He called their work "genius."

Margaret also gave an important speech in 1980. It was called the "Wentworth lecture." She spoke about "Aboriginal Education: For Aborigines, By Aborigines?" This talk focused on how Indigenous people should lead their own education.

She also served on important groups. From 1984 to 1988, she was part of the Council for the Sydney College of the Arts. In 1984, she joined the NSW Equal Opportunity Tribunal. This group works to make sure everyone is treated fairly. She was re-appointed for another term in 1987.

In 1991, Margaret gave another key speech. It was at the University of New England. Her speech was about the challenges and issues in Aboriginal education.

Awards and Recognition

Margaret Valadian has received many awards for her work.

In 1976, she was given the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). This award was for her service to Aboriginal welfare.

In 1986, she was promoted to Officer of the Order of Australia (AO). This was for her great service to the community. It especially recognized her work in Aboriginal education and culture.

She also received the Centenary Medal in 2001. This medal celebrates people who have helped Australia.

In 1984, Margaret won a special BHP award. It was for her excellent community service. She received AU$40,000 to help her continue her important work.

Macquarie University gave her an honorary Doctor of Letters degree in 1995. This is a high honor given to people who have achieved a lot. In 1996, her old university, the University of Queensland, named her Alumnus of the Year.