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Elders' Stories | Proppa Stories


Proppa Stories


Elders

Elders are the knowledge holders of culture and are highly respected and recognised within their community for their cultural knowledge, wisdom and contributions. They are responsible for making decisions within and with their communities. Age alone does not make someone an Elder. When negotiating with Aboriginal Peoples, ensure that Aboriginal community recognised Elders are involved.
Defining Elders
• Elders are defined by their Community or Nation.
• Elders have cultural authority.
• Elders are acknowledged for their behaviour, experience and knowledge.
• Elders often speak for their Nation and are a wise teacher.
• Elders are not defined by age or self-title, nor by the government.
Elders and Aboriginal Peoples will often be in discussion on the question of ‘who is an Elder?' Uppercase E should always be used for “Elder”.
 
Kaurna name, Purkarninthi – means ‘becoming an Elder’.

The formation of the Purkarninthi group and program was a deliverable of the Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan (2018 to 2021). The program was designed to support Aboriginal learning across the University and support to students. The Purkarninthi group consists of eight metropolitan Elders who have kinship ties across South Australia, with two members holding honorary degrees from UniSA. All are well known and widely respected for their broad range of community and cultural knowledge and leadership. The Purkarninthi in Residence was formed in 2020. 

"Tirki nguta tappa tangka marninithi. Learning and knowledge are the pathway to alter the mind."

Uncle Lewis Yarlupurka  O’Brien, Kaurna Elder

Reflections from Aboriginal Elders and Community
Reflections from Aboriginal Elders and Community Describe your moment: Aboriginal Elders and Community members share stories and reflections from their time at the University - heartfelt, honest and moving.

The stories offer insight into what the University has ... Date of filming: 2025 Campus: City West Campus Professional Unit: Chancellery
Uncle Yarlupurka Lewis O'Brien
Uncle Yarlupurka Lewis O'BrienDescribe your moment: Uncle Lewis introduces himself and shares his early involvement in the revival of the Kaurna language. He reflects on his connection with the University of South Australia, beginning during its t... Date of filming: 24 March 2025 Campus: City West Campus Professional Unit: Chancellery
Honouring Uncle Lewis O'Brien
Honouring Uncle Lewis O'Brien Describe your moment: A video honouring Uncle Lewis Yarlupurka O’Brien. Uncle Lewis Yarlupurka O’Brien AO is an educator, philosopher, historian, advisor, counsellor, writer, and speaker of the Kaurna language.

... Date of filming: 2021 Location: [1] Campus: City West Campus Professional Unit: Aboriginal Leadership and Strategy
Yurirka: Proppa Engagement with Aboriginal Peoples
Yurirka: Proppa Engagement with Aboriginal PeoplesDescribe your moment: Elders discuss their views on the Yurirka Proppa engagement guide. A video presentation on the guide to support the UniSA community to engage respectfully with the Aboriginal community. Date of filming: 2021 Location: [2] Campus: City West Campus Professional Unit: Aboriginal Leadership and Strategy
Uncle Frank Wangutya Wanganeen at Reconciliation Week
Uncle Frank Wangutya Wanganeen at Reconciliation WeekDescribe your moment: Uncle Frank Wangutya Wanganeen speaking in Kaurna language at Reconciliation Week 2022. Date of filming: 2022 Location: [3] Professional Unit: Aboriginal Leadership and Strategy Submitted on behalf of: Chancellery