Elders

Elders


Elders are men and women regarded as the keepers and teachers of an Aboriginal nation’s oral traditions and knowledge. Different elders hold different gifts. They can make significant contributions by bringing traditional ceremonies and teachings into the school and classroom; providing advice to parents, students, teachers and school administrators; providing information about Aboriginal
communities; and acting as a bridge between the school and the community.

Elders are considered vital to the survival of Aboriginal cultures, and the transmission of cultural knowledge is an essential part of the preservation and promotion of cultural traditions and their protocols. Elders are always to be treated with great respect and honour. The roles of elders vary greatly from community to community, as do the protocols and traditions they teach.

Elders often perform such services as:


• giving prayers before meetings

• describing or performing traditional ceremonies

• sharing traditional knowledge

• giving spiritual advice to individuals

 . demonstrating traditional crafts and practices

• teaching the community’s protocols.