Eldership Program - Mentoring and Teaching

(Currently in development)

We desire to learn from, to be taught by our Elders. Elders use knowledge and awareness wisely. Elders stand strong in themselves while accepting the weakness of others. They are always compassionate as they publicly model the proper behaviour a community must follow. Elders enrich the community as they demonstrate through their own behaviour right action, allowing change and growth to occur by their compassionate acceptance of all as part of 'community'.

Eldership comes when a person learns from experience, and applies the awareness that comes from the learning in informed and responsible action.

As we work together to define a formal Eldership policy of best practice within the College and the University, we intend to invite Elders to work with us on mentoring and teaching programs. The College is presently establishing a physical space for the Keeping Place and an Elders room has been set up in which activities such as these can take place. We are currently working with a number of our Elders on separate but interconnecting language programs and we believe projects such as these will help develop sustainable outcomes for our region.

We believe that many other opportunities like this will evolve and become a valuable resource for our people.

Updated: 17 January 2012