About

Dr. Uncle Lewis Yarlupurka O’Brien

Kaurna Elder
Bedford Park
Office of Indigenous Strategy and Engagement

Bedford Park Senior Elder on campus Uncle Lewis has worked tirelessly with schools, universities, communities, and government agencies for more than 30 years to embed a Kaurna presence into Adelaide’s cultural landscape, and his research has contributed enormously to the endurance of the Kaurna language.

Uncle Lewis is known for his warm mentorship of Aboriginal children and families, combined with his rich political contributions and leadership across heritage, arts, sport, reconciliation and education

At Flinders University, he has been involved in reviews of centres, as Elder on the Indigenous Health Professional Education Advisory Committee, and was Patron/Elder-in-Residence to the Indigenous Preparation for Medicine program.

Projects and initiatives

Gift of Words

Purlirna kardlarna ngadluku miyurnaku yaintya tikkiarna. Wardlipari is the homeriver in the Milky Way.

The stars are the fires of the people living there. Yurarlu yurakauwi trruku-ana padninthi Wardlipari.

Yurakauwi the rainbow serpent goes into the dark spots in the Milky Way.

Ngaiyirda karralika kawingka tikainga yara kumarninthi. When the outer world and the sky connect with the water the two become one.’

Poetic text gifted to Flinders University by Kaurna Elder Uncle Lewis Yerloburka O’Brien.

Uncle Lewis O’Brien Public Lecture

The Uncle Lewis O’Brien Public Lecture recognises Uncle Lewis’ eldership, knowledge and cultural scholarship, his commitment to education – particularly higher education – and his generosity of spirit to the South Australia community and specifically to Flinders University.

Held annually the event features a key note speaker and covers important social and cultural topics and themes.

Open to Flinders staff, students and the wider community.

For more information please email the Elder Liaison Officer eldernetwork@flinders.edu.au