Ask an Elder
Listen to Elders answer your questions about First Nations or Pasifika histories, cultures or objects.
Elders and Senior knowledge holders in First Nations and Pasifika communities hold not only Lores, stories, and traditions, they also have a wealth of lived experience.
At the Australian Museum we are fortunate enough to have First Nations and Pasifika Elders visiting us often, so we are able to ask many questions and are gifted with the knowledge of their cultures and communities.
Listen to some of the answers to questions you have asked the Elders!
If you have a burning question for an Elder about First Nations or Pasifika histories, cultures or objects please leave them in the form below.
Hear from the Elders
Kazan Brown
Kazan Brown is a Gundungurra Traditional Owner with Ancestral ties to the Burragorang and Warragamba Valleys and is a descendant of Dundowra. Kazan uses her knowledge passed down to her by her Elders to fight for the health and protection of her Country and maintains these ties by passing on her Valley’s dreaming stories to her children.
Uncle Jimmy Smith
Uncle Jimmy Smith is an Aboriginal educator and cultural practitioner from the Erambie mission near Cowra, New South Wales. Jimmy holds a Bachelor of Adult Education and a Master of Education (Aboriginal Studies), and brings decades of experience in teaching Aboriginal art, cartography, astronomy, culture, and heritage across Australia and
Uncle John
Uncle John is a respected Latja Latja and Narungga Elder, is deeply committed to strengthening cultural identity, advocating for justice, and empowering future generations. Through decades of advocacy, he has become a guiding figure in promoting understanding, inclusion and reconciliation.
Koro Johnny Tuki
Koro Johnny Tuki or Uncle Johnny, is a respected elder and hereditary chief of the Tuki clan on Rapa Nui. Uncle Johnny is a master carver and cultural teacher, who works to pass on traditional arts to younger generations, including carving, ancient Rapa Nui dances, and ceremonial practices. He serves on Te Honui (Council of Elders) and the repatriation board, receiving and caring for repatriated ancestral remains that are returned home to Rapa Nui. Uncle Johnny is also a member of the Rapa Nui Parliament and directs the Matu'a Tu Hotu Iti theatre group, which performs ancient Rapa Nui traditions.
