Purkarninthi Aboriginal Elders

Kaurna name, Purkarninthi – means ‘becoming an Elder’ – the program is a deliverable of the Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan (2018 to 2021), 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. 

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?'

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