Elders are respected members of their communities, and custodians of knowledge, customs and traditional beliefs. They are trusted to provide guidance, share wisdom and advise on their Country including ancestral connections, leadership and cultural protocols. Elders are referred to as ‘Aunty’ or ‘Uncle’, which are terms of respect. For Aboriginal peoples, the term ‘Elder’ does not necessarily correlate with age; it is about how someone is accepted by their community as an Elder.
Elders act as representatives and decision makers for their communities. They also provide guidance and counselling, are responsible for ensuring cultural practices and protocols are followed with respect and pass down their knowledge. In this way, stories are shared, and new generations of Elders emerge.