A Charles Darwin University academic has become the first Territorian to be conferred with an honorary doctorate from the World Indigenous Nations University.

Director of Operations – Indigenous Leadership Dr Wendy Ludwig celebrated the auspicious occasion with family, friends and colleagues at the Batchelor Institute 2018 Graduation, having had the award formally conferred overseas last year.

“I’m absolutely honoured to be acknowledged in this way by other Indigenous people from around the world, and especially here at Batchelor on my grandfather’s country – Kungarakany country,” Dr Ludwig said.

“It is confirmation of a lifelong commitment to Indigenous education and training and positive social change.”

The doctorate is in recognition of Dr Ludwig’s record of cultural and professional leadership in Indigenous education, training and employment, and her work as an educator and scholar within Indigenous tertiary education in a career spanning almost 40 years.

Dr Ludwig is highly regarded for her contributions to systemic advocacy, innovative research, policy and the carriage of culturally inclusive education as it pertains to Indigenous people.

World Indigenous Nations University Vice-Chancellor Dr Peter Hanohano said Dr Ludwig’s prolonged work as an educator and knowledge holder deemed her to be meritoriously worthy of recognition.

“There is much to be celebrated and saluted by the many gains made in Indigenous education through Dr Ludwig’s leadership, diligence and innovative spirit,” Dr Hanohano said.

“WINU recognises her pioneering work in advancing the social and political position of Indigenous Australians through education.

“The conferral of this honorary doctorate is most befitting as it honours and profiles the exemplary contributions that she has made to Indigenous education.”