First Nations Stories: Elders as a link to the past and guide towards the future

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture is the oldest continuing culture. Their past is chronicled through oral history as shared by the First Nations Elder.

Elders are an important part of every First Nations community; 'they hold the knowledge from the past. They are the ones you run to for advice.' Bianca Easton BoonWurrung woman from the Kulin Nation Credit: Matthew Micah Wright/Getty Images

Key Points

• Traditionally the First Nations did not have written language, all their knowledge scientific and dream time stories were all passed on verbally.
• The Elders are the ultimate knowledge holders.
• The Elder gives advice on laws, appropriate behaviour and matters in the community.

Members of the community appoint elders; they are respected members of the community who hold knowledge and work hard for the rights of our people.

Like in a family, there are people like your grandparents who hold the family together, they are the ones dedicated to family, know the family history, and are the people you run to for advice.

Bianca Easton a proud BoonWurrung woman from the Kulin Nation