Tulmur: Kinship

Family and kinship
Understanding family relationships and kinship ties are important concepts for Traditional Owners and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. ‘The family structure is linked with the community and with this knowledge comes a complex system of roles and obligations within the community’ and ‘kinship systems define where a person fits into the community.

Example:
Blood Uncle or Aunty are also your Father or Mother. Whereas, married in (non-biological) Aunty or Uncle are your Aunty or Uncle. Refer to the diagram below:

Elders
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders are highly respected by their communities for their wisdom, cultural knowledge and community service. It is important to note that age alone does not establish whether someone is recognised as an Elder in their community.

Elders are respectfully referred to as ‘Aunty’ or ‘Uncle’ in their communities. However, it is recommended non-Indigenous people check with the Elder or Leader first before referring to them as ‘Aunty’ or ‘Uncle’.