Goreng Goreng man Professor Chris Sarra has been named national NAIDOC person of the year for his work for his work in improving First Nation’s educational outcomes.
The founder of the Strong Smarter Institute, Professor Sarra’s education philosophy has focused on encouraging students to form a strong cultural identity while being smart and attending school.
Professor Sarra used his speech to lay down a challenge to the re-elected Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.
Speaking before a packed house, Professor Sarra said he and his people were ready to negotiate treaty with the government.
During the election campaign, Turnbull rebuked Opposition Leader Bill Shorten for flagging the potential of treaty during a Q&A episode.
Professor Sarra is this year joining the University of Canberra to take up a position as a Professor of Education teaching and researching on school leadership, Indigenous education and educational equality.
The award for Female Elder of the Year was given to Maryann Bin-Sallik, who was the first Indigenous nursing graduate and completed a doctorate at Harvard University.
Well-known Arnhem Land musician Gurrumul Yunupingu received the Artist of the Year award, which was received by his daughter Jasmine Yunupingu.
From the community of Doomadge, social worker Elijah Douglas won the Youth of the Year award for his work in keeping culture alive and sharing knowledge and skills with school students.
Jade North picked up the Sportsperson of the Year Award. The first Indigenous Socceroos captain, North has represented Australia at two Olympic Games since he was signed in to the National Soccer League at the age of 15.
Scholar of the Year award went to Layneisha Sgro. Ms Sgro achieved the highest ever ATAR award for an Indigenous student in Western Australia and has campaigned on issues such as climate change and suicide prevention.
Eighteen-year old Montana Ah-Won received the Apprentice of the Year award. Ms Ah-Won has undertaken a traineeship with the Kimberley Training Group and completed her Certificate I and II in Hospitality.
Male Elder of the Year award went to Dr Robert Francis Isaacs who has dedicated his career to working on health, housing, education and employment initiatives.
Stephen Page received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Mr Page has choreographed 23 performances as the Artistic Director of the Bangarra Dance Theatre.
