A long history of trauma and continued systemic racism contributes to higher rates of psychological distress, hospitalisation for mental illness, self-harm and suicide in First Nation communities (Sherwood, 2014). If you would like to understand how colonisation has impacted wellbeing, I recommend watching this 10-minute summary video.
Despite efforts from the Australian government to reduce this, not a lot has changed. This could be related to taking a western, individualistic approach to psychological treatment (Dudgeon, Bray, & Walker, 2023). An individualistic approach doesn’t generally consider the vital connection to land, language and culture required for meaning-making, purpose, self-esteem and resilience, core components of well-being for First Nation Australians (Dudgeon, Bray, & Walker, 2023).
The team at the National Empowerment Project (NEP) have made it their mission to understand and empower First Nation communities to strengthen their social and emotional wellbeing (Dudgeon, Bray, D’costa, & Walker, 2017). Through their research they developed the Cultural, Social, and Emotional Wellbeing (CSEWB) Program (Dudgeon, Bray, D’costa, & Walker, 2017). Evaluation of the program showed increase in personal strength, development of relationships, connection to community, enhanced life skills and planning, cultural reconnection and overall improvements to cultural, social and emotional wellbeing (Mia, et al., 2017). Separated into core themes, here are the key take-aways from the CSEWB program.
Culture and Spirituality
The most influential element of wellbeing was noted to be a connection to culture and spirituality (Dudgeon, Derry, Mascall, & Ryder, 2022). Having cultural knowledge is an important baseline for connection and can be enhanced by participating in traditional practices such as ceremonies, dances, story-telling, yarning and spending time with Elders (Dudgeon, Derry, Mascall, & Ryder, 2022). Reconnecting to culture through land and place can be facilitated by spending time on Country (Dudgeon, Derry, Mascall, & Ryder, 2022). Spirituality is enhanced through mindfulness practices such as Daddiri (Dudgeon, Derry, Mascall, & Ryder, 2022).
Resources for non-indigenous people to learn about First Nation culture
- Share our Pride
- Watch Kanyini
- Creative Spirits
- Evolve Communities
- Support and learn through cultural experiences
- Listen to podcasts – Always Was, Always Will Be Our Stories and Awaye!
Community & Kinship
Having a strong connection to community and a connectedness to family and friends enhances sense of belonging and feelings of pride in culture and a general sense of empowerment (Dudgeon, Derry, Mascall, & Ryder, 2022). Connection to community can be boosted by engaging in supportive relationships with other members (Dudgeon, Derry, Mascall, & Ryder, 2022). Kinship comes with spending time with family and gaining a deeper understanding of the intricate family system (Dudgeon, Derry, Mascall, & Ryder, 2022). First Nation Australians can seek guidance and support from organisations such as Community First Development and Empowered Communities.
Non-indigenous people can gain a better understanding of appropriate ways to support and connect with local communities via Australians Together.
History
A nationwide acknowledgement and acceptance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and ongoing impact is crucial for deeper understanding of how to heal and move forward (Dudgeon, Derry, Mascall, & Ryder, 2022). Talking about history allows a deeper understanding of generational trauma and how it impacts the present (Dudgeon, Derry, Mascall, & Ryder, 2022). Continuing to share stories with confidence and pride allows cultural practices to continue and systemic change to take place (Dudgeon, Derry, Mascall, & Ryder, 2022).
Non-indigenous people can access resources such as Narragunnawali to ensure appropriate reconciliation in education.
Health
Physical and emotional wellbeing are interconnected. Taking care of physical health with appropriate nourishment, enjoyable movement, getting adequate sleep and avoidance of drugs and excessive alcohol is vital for emotional and social wellbeing (Dudgeon, Derry, Mascall, & Ryder, 2022).
Self
The last piece of the puzzle is a strong sense of self (Dudgeon, Derry, Mascall, & Ryder, 2022). Investing time and energy into the above areas of wellbeing is likely to also enhance self-confidence, a sense of joy and overall personal development (Dudgeon, Derry, Mascall, & Ryder, 2022).
References
Dudgeon, P., Bray, A., & Walker, R. (2023). Embracing the emerging Indigenous psychology of flourishing. Nature Reviews Psychology, 2, 259-260. https://doi.org/10.1038/s44159-023-00176-x
Dudgeon, P., Bray, A., D’costa, B., & Walker, R. (2017). Decolonising Psychology: Validating Social and Emotional Wellbeing. Australian Psychologist, 52(4), 316-325. https://doi.org/10.1111/ap.12294
Dudgeon, P., Derry, K. L., Mascall, C., & Ryder, A. (2022). Understanding Aboriginal Models of Selfhood: The National Empowerment Project’s Cultural, Social, and Emotional Wellbeing Program in Western Australia. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19, 4078. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19074078
Mia, T., Dudgeon, P., Mascall, C., Grogen, G., Murray, B., & Walker, R. (2017). An Evaluation of the National Empowerment Project Cultural, Social and Emotional Wellbeing Program. Journal of Indigenous Wellbeing: Te Mauri – Pimatisiwin, 2(2), 33-48.
Sherwood, J. (2014). Colonisation – It’s bad for your health: The context of Aboriginal health. Contemporary Nurse, 46(1), 28-40. https://doi.org/10.5172/conu.2013.46.1.28
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