‘We’re also healers’: Elders leading the way in Aboriginal community healing

Terrance Cox · Jonathan Mond · Ha Hoang

15 citations0/0 files storedAustralian Journal of Primary Health

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Indigenous Health, Education, and Rights Indigenous Cultures and History Australian Indigenous Culture and History

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The impact of colonisation, dispossession and marginalisation on the health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples (hereafter respectfully referred to as Aboriginal people) is well documented. Aboriginal people continue to practice traditional healing, and in recent years have initiated numerous community-based healing programs around Australia. The Closing the Gap policy has also resulted in numerous community health programs. Despite these program and policy responses, Aboriginal people continue to experience persistent health disparities. The role of Aboriginal Elders in shaping Aboriginal health has yet to be a focus of research attention. This paper reports on a study that examined the contributions of Elders to the healing of Aboriginal people in a remote Tasmanian community. METHODS: Our co-designed participatory action research methodology was undertaken with eight community Elders. RESULTS: Analysis of qualitative data derived through interviews and yarning circle discussions revealed an emerging theme of community healing; with Elders undertaking a suite of therapeutic practices, and promoting cultural values to strengthen Aboriginal identity, community cohesion and connections to Country. The Elders identified healing as an essential process in response to intergenerational trauma, racism and marginalisation. CONCLUSIONS: The findings inform policy stakeholders to consider the wisdom and voice of Elders in addressing Aboriginal community healing.

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References

2010Yarning About Yarning as a Legitimate Method in Indigenous Research 2019Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's domains of wellbeing: A comprehensive literature review 1998Aboriginal Health and Society: The Traditional and Contemporary Aboriginal Struggle for Better Health 2020YARNING AS PROTECTED SPACE: principles and protocols 2011Beyond the Rhetoric of Participatory Research in Indigenous Communities 2018The Role of Elders in the Wellbeing of a Contemporary Australian Indigenous Community 2020Recommended methodologies to determine Australian Indigenous community members’ perceptions of their health needs: a literature review 2017Indigenous Healing Practices in Australia

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