Researcher attributes prestigious fellowship to family, friends, teachers

Charles Darwin University (CDU) and Northern Institute Senior Research Fellow Professor Linda Ford has been elected as a Fellow of the Australian Academy of the Humanities (AAH).

Professor Ford said her Fellowship marked a significant milestone in her personal and professional journey.

Election to the Academy is the highest honour achievable in Australia’s humanities discipline and 41 scholars and practitioners in 2024 joined the ranks of more than 700 Fellows.

A Mak Mak Marranunggu woman, Professor Ford said she was one of four Indigenous scholars awarded Fellowships this year.

Professor Ford said she was nominated by a current AAH fellow and colleague from the University of Western Australia. 

She said the recognition was "a wonderful acknowledgement" of her decades-long dedication to advancing Indigenous knowledge systems across multidisciplinary fields. 

"It is an honour to be recognised by my peers for my contributions to Indigenous studies," Professor Ford said. 

"This achievement validates my tireless efforts to improve pathways for Indigenous scholars and spotlight our knowledge systems."

Born in Batchelor, Professor Ford said her journey into academia began in the remote communities of the Finniss River and Meneling Station. 

She said her career in education began as a primary school teacher and later as an educator in Indigenous tertiary programs. 

Professor Ford’s work has always sought to challenge the negative imagery and stereotypes of Aboriginal people in academic and public discourse.

Professor Ford said she was the first NT-based Fellow which would bring national recognition to CDU. 

"This is a testament to the university's commitment to supporting Indigenous scholars and their contributions to academia," she said.

"It highlights the Northern Institute’s role in fostering Indigenous knowledge and leadership." 

Professor Ford said was excited to work alongside her new peers to enhance the visibility and promotion of Indigenous knowledge systems in academic circles.

“I would like to thank my ancestors, country and family for their ongoing support. They are my husband Mark Ford and our children Chloe and Emily, son-in-law Joshua and granddaughter Eden, my Mak Mak Marranunggu Family and extended family, friends and colleagues who have supported me throughout my career,” she said.