Mick Dodson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mick Dodson
AM, FASSA
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_(Dodson_cropped).jpg)
Dodson in 2014
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Michael James Dodson
10 April 1950 Katherine, Northern Territory, Australia
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| Nationality | Australian |
| Education | Monivae College |
| Alma mater | Monash University |
| Occupation | Barrister and academic; Professor of Law at the Australian National University |
| Known for |
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| Relatives | Pat Dodson (brother) |
Michael James Dodson, born on April 10, 1950, is an important Aboriginal Australian leader. He is a lawyer and a university professor. He belongs to the Yawuru people, who live near Broome in the Kimberley area of Western Australia. His brother, Pat Dodson, is also a well-known Aboriginal leader. Pat was a senator in the Australian Parliament.
Contents
Mick Dodson's Journey
Early Life and Education
After his parents passed away, Mick Dodson went to Monivae College in Hamilton, Victoria. He later studied at Monash University. In 1974, he made history by becoming the first Indigenous Australian person to graduate with a law degree in Australia.
Working for Justice
After finishing university, Mick Dodson worked as a lawyer. He helped people with criminal cases at the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Aid Service. Later, he became a criminal defence lawyer. He still works as a lawyer today, focusing on cases about native title. Native title is about the rights of Indigenous people to their traditional lands.
Mick Dodson has spent a lot of time working as a legal advisor. He helps with issues related to native title and human rights. He also teaches about Indigenous law at universities.
A Professor and Advocate
Currently, he is a Professor of Law at the Australian National University. He leads the National Centre for Indigenous Studies there. He has also taught at famous universities like the University of Arizona and Harvard University.
Mick Dodson works hard to protect the rights of Indigenous people. This includes people in Australia and all over the world. In 2005, his efforts led him to become a member of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. This group works to help Indigenous people globally.
He is a strong supporter of land rights for Indigenous people. He also helps with many other issues that affect them. He is a main researcher for a project called Serving Our Country. This project studies the history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia's defence forces.
Australian of the Year
On January 25, 2009, Mick Dodson was given a very special award. He was named Australian of the Year. This award celebrates Australians who have made big contributions to their country.
As of 2023, he lives and works in Canberra. He has been very active in Australian government and justice. He also works on ways to prevent crime. Mick Dodson retired from the Australian National University in March 2018.
In October 2023, Mick Dodson joined 24 other Australians of the Year. They signed an open letter to support the "Yes" vote. This was for the Indigenous Voice referendum.
Awards and Recognitions
Mick Dodson has received many important awards for his work:
- Australian Living Treasure, 1997
- Distinguished Alumni Award from Monash University, 1998
- Member of the Order of Australia (AM), 2003
- Member of the Order of Indonesia (PM), 2003
- Australian of the Year, 2009
- Chairperson of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies
- Fellow of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia, 2009
- Honorary Member of the University of Kingwood Nationals, 2010
Special University Degrees
Mick Dodson has also been given special honorary doctorates from universities. These are degrees given to people who have achieved great things, even if they didn't study there:
- Honorary Doctor of Letters, University of Technology Sydney, 1998
- Honorary Doctor of Laws, University of New South Wales, 1999
- Honorary Doctorate, University of Canberra, 2010
