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Elders

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Description

Elders provide local cultural knowledge and advice for educators to support the identity and inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and enhance the cultural understanding of non-Indigenous children.

Elders are identified and respected Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander persons of varying ages within a community who have the knowledge and understanding of their culture and the permission to speak about it. These may include:

  • community Elders who have lived in an area for a long time and are respected community participants
  • traditional Elders who are descendants of the area and are active in community issues.

Priority areas

Access and inclusion

Alignment to Queensland kindergarten learning guideline

Learning and development areas

Identity
Connectedness

Building a confident self-identity

Building positive relationships

Showing respect for diversity

Showing respect for environments

Principles

  • High expectations, equity and respect for diversity
  • Respectful relationships
  • Collaborative partnerships

Delivery mode

Consultancy

Cost

Determined in consultation with Elders.

Audience

Educators and children

Implementation considerations

Considerations: It is recommended services engage Elders with connections to the local area and community.

It is important services build authentic and respectful relationships with Elders over time. Services should be mindful and responsive where circumstances may limit the ability of Elders to provide support, such as transport barriers and health concerns.

Contacts: Services can contact local networks, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations and community leaders to find Elders.

Last updated 28 August 2023