Background and Objectives
Traditional Elders are integral to the social structure of Australian Indigenous communities. Due to progressive loss of traditional way of life, however, the role of Elders has been eroding. This study aims to develop a conceptual model of the role of Elders in an Australian Indigenous community, with the goal of attaining strategies to strengthen the role of Elders.
Research Design and Methods
The study, conducted in a regional Indigenous community in Australia, adopted a community-based participatory approach. Design and focus of the project were informed by a community forum (Yarning Circle). One-on-one semistructured interviews and focus groups with community members were conducted by Indigenous researchers. Group concept mapping (GCM) was applied to elicit major themes in qualitative data, from the point of view of community members, and to derive a conceptual model of the role of Elders.
Results
Fifty members of the Indigenous community took part in interviews and focus groups. The participants’ median age was 45 years (range 18–76 years); 31 (62%) were female. An additional 24 Indigenous community members took part in the data sorting task of GCM. GCM identified seven major aspects of the role of Elders, including Community relations, Passing down the knowledge, Dealing with racism and oppression, Building a better resourced community, Intergenerational connectedness, Safeguarding our identity, and Caring for our youth.
Discussion and Implications
Elders fulfill many important roles in contemporary Indigenous communities. Our results can be used to assist the community to codesign a program to increase community wellbeing.
Background and Objectives
Traditionally, Elders have held a unique social position within Indigenous Australian communities. This study aimed to identify the characteristics of Indigenous Elders that distinguish them from other people in their community.
Research Design and Methods
Using a community-based participatory research approach, the study was conducted in a regional Indigenous community in Southeast Queensland. The design and data collection methods were informed through a community forum, known as a ‘Yarning Circle’. One-on-one semi-structured interviews and focus groups with community members were carried out by Indigenous researchers. Data were analysed in NVivo software, using thematic analysis (TA), with themes derived directly from data.
Results
Fifty individuals participated in the study. The participants’ median age was 45 years (range 18-76 years) and 31 (62%) were female. TA identified three overarching themes related to Elders’ attributes: (1) distinguishing characteristics of Elders (sub-themes of respect, leadership, reciprocity, life experience, approachability, connection to traditional culture, transmitting knowledge through generations): (2) how one becomes an Elder (earnt eldership, permanency of eldership, mentors and role models, age); and (3) threats to Elders’ influence (intergenerational gap, community disconnect, and cultural trauma).
Discussion and Implications
Our results build a greater understanding of the contemporary role of Indigenous Australian Elders, which will inform the development of future interventions directed at strengthening Elders’ role in their communities.
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