Triple P acknowledges the wisdom of Elders as NAIDOC Week 2023 begins

During NAIDOC Week 2023 (2-9 July), the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program is celebrating this year’s theme – For Our Elders – by encouraging families across the country to acknowledge the incredible impact that our Elders have in families and on communities as well as reflect on the history, achievements, and culture of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Elders, Triple P’s Cultural Consultant, Michell Forster, said “are our teachers, parents and carers, and those who have come before us and paved the way for better futures and opportunities.”

“Our Elders play a vital role in bringing community and family together by being the knowledge sharers, carers, story tellers, conflict resolvers and great listeners,” she said.

“At Triple P, we know that families thrive when they are connected to kin and community. We often draw on our Elders for support and expertise for our younger ones. There should be no shame in reaching out for help when needed, and our Elders are key in providing that guidance.”

Ms Forster acknowledged that parents and carers are a child’s first teachers, and as such, that they have the ability to help children and young people engage in reconciliation and gain a better understanding of the oldest, continuous living cultures in the world.

During NAIDOC Week, there are a range of celebrations, activities and resources available to early childhood educators, parents, carers and the wider community, which allow them to immerse themselves in First Nations’ culture and history. 

Find out more on the NAIDOC Week website. 

Delivery of the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program to parents and carers of children in Australia is supported by funding from the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care under the Parenting Education and Support Program.