- Patrick Dodson
"'Patrick Dodson (born 1947) is a
Yawuru man fromBroome, Western Australia , he is a former Chairman of the "Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation", a former Commissioner into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody and formerRoman Catholic priest. His brother isMick Dodson , also a nationalIndigenous Australian leader.The Dodson children were orphaned at the death of their father in 1960. He and his brother Mick were made wards of the state, but their sisters decided they should accept a scholarship to study at
Monivae College inHamilton, Victoria .He lives in Broome where he is also involved in matters relating to the preservation and enhancement of indigenous rights and culture.
Currently Patrick Dodson works as a consultant, advising government, industry and community groups: he is
*Chairperson, Kimberley Development Commission (his term expires in November 2010) [ [http://www.kdc.wa.gov.au/commission/tc_dodson.asp Kimberley Development Commission - KDC Board ] ]
*Chairman of the Lingiari Foundation, an Indigenous non government advocacy and research Foundation.Past roles and activities include:
*former Director of theCentral Land Council and theKimberley Land Council
*Commissioner into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, 1989
*Chairman of theCouncil for Aboriginal Reconciliation (1991-1997) (This body was replaced byReconciliation Australia ). He retired stating "I fear for the spirit of this country".
*he was the first Indigenous AustralianRoman Catholic priest , reasons for leaving the priesthood in the early 1980s included Dodson's understanding that traditional Aboriginal ceremonies and Christianity can be reconciled and his rejection of clergy celibacy.References
*Kevin Keeffe, (2003) "Paddy's Road: Life Stories of Patrick Dodson” Aboriginal Studies Press, Canberra ISBN 0-85575-448-6
External links
* [http://www.abc.net.au/nsw/stories/s937357.htm "Patrick Dodson - A Life Story" Local ABC NSW Tuesday, 2 September 2003] [Accessed 10 February 2006]
* [http://www.kimberley.wa.gov.au/index.cfm?menu=122&page=kdc_board_pdodson Bio at Kimberley Development Commission website]
* [http://www.universalrights.net/heroes/dodson.htm Heroes: Pat Dodson at Universal Rights Network]
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