'Australian of the Year' Mick Dodson

Courtesy of Wikipedia

"Professor Michael James "Mick" Dodson, AM (born 10 April 1950, in Katherine, Northern Territory, Australia) is an Indigenous Australian leader, a member of the Yawuru peoples in the Broome area of the southern Kimberley region of Western Australia. His brother is Patrick Dodson, also a noted Aboriginal leader.

Following his parents death he boarded at Monivae College, Hamilton, Victoria. He graduated in law from Monash University in 1978.

He has been a prominent advocate of land rights and other issues affecting indigenous peoples in Australia and globally and has extensive involvement in United Nations indigenous peoples forums."

Read more here

Mention almost any major TV or news piece about Land Rights, the 'Intervention', our bicentennial etc and Mick features being asked for a view. Often a lone voice, with a unique perspective on issues he is often best able to encapsulate and represent the diversity of views amongst aboriginal people. Most issues of self determination, land rights, independence and the future are complex and Mick Dodson is one who can be relied upon to 'give it to you straight.'

A desreving and inspired choice for 'Aussie of the Year' lets hope his term can represent real and significant improvement for indigenous aussies everywhere!!