Pearl Duncan facts for kids

Pearl Maud Duncan Booth (born April 27, 1933, died July 19, 2022) was an amazing Australian woman. She was a teacher, a scientist who studied people (an anthropologist), and a university expert. Pearl was a Gamilaraay woman, which is an Indigenous Australian group. She was the very first Indigenous teacher in Australia to get a university degree. In 2008, she was even called a "Queensland Great" for all her important work.

Pearl's Early Life

Pearl Duncan was born on April 27, 1933. Her hometown was Emmaville, New South Wales. She grew up there as part of the only Aboriginal family in the town. After finishing high school, she moved to Sydney to continue her studies. She was married for about 30 years.

Pearl's Teaching Career

In Sydney, Pearl earned her teaching qualifications from a university. She was the first known Aboriginal Australian to do this! After her studies, she moved to Yarrabah in North Queensland. She taught there for two years.

Pearl in Film

While in Yarrabah, Pearl appeared in a documentary film. It was called Children of the Wasteland (1953). This film showed parts of Indigenous life in the area. It caused some discussion among people who decided what films could be shown.

Teaching Around the World

Pearl continued her teaching journey in many places. She taught in the Torres Strait Islands and even in New Zealand. In 1977, she joined the National Aboriginal Education Committee. This group worked to improve education for Aboriginal people. She also led the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Unit at the Queensland University of Technology. Plus, she held important jobs in government services.

Pearl's University Studies

Pearl loved learning and kept studying throughout her life. She earned a special degree in anthropology from the Australian National University. Anthropology is the study of human societies and cultures. She also got a master's degree in education from the University of Canberra. Later, she earned her highest degree, a PhD, from The University of Queensland. Her special project for her PhD was about Aboriginal humor. She received this degree in 2014.

Awards and Honours

Pearl Duncan received many awards for her hard work.

Centenary Medal

On New Year's Day in 2001, she received a Centenary Medal. This award was given to her for her "community service through Indigenous education." It showed how much she helped her community.

Queensland Great

In 2004, Pearl was nominated for Senior Australian of the Year. Then, in 2008, she was named a Queensland Great. This special award celebrates people who have made huge contributions. It recognizes their efforts and achievements in the history and growth of Queensland.

Pearl's Legacy

Pearl Duncan passed away on July 19, 2022, at 89 years old. After her death, Queensland's Minister of Education, Grace Grace, spoke about her. She called Pearl a "trailblazer in education" and a "true Queensland great." A trailblazer is someone who is the first to do something important.

Pearl Duncan Teaching Scholarships

To honor Pearl's memory, the Queensland Department of Education created scholarships. These are called the Pearl Duncan Teaching Scholarships. Each year, they help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. These students want to study education, just like Pearl did. The scholarships celebrate Pearl's dedication to improving the lives of Indigenous Australians. They also help build a strong future for new Indigenous leaders.