10B: Cultural determinants of wellbeing for ATSI peoples

What is culture?

Characteristics and knowledge of a group including language, social habits, religion, food, music, etc.

What are shared patterns in culture?

Behaviour, interactions, and understandings learned through socialisation.

How is culture a way of life?

It is shared and learned across generations.

Why is culture important?

Provides identity and belonging, shapes who people become, and ensures continuity across generations.

What is the holistic view of health?

A perspective that includes social, emotional, spiritual, cultural, and community wellbeing.

How does the Western view of health differ from the holistic view?

Western views traditionally focus on the physical body, though they are shifting towards holistic health.

What is the First Nations perspective on health?

Strongly holistic, integrating culture and Country with health.

What role do cultural determinants play in wellbeing?

They act as protective factors that strengthen health and wellbeing.

What does a strength-based approach mean in cultural wellbeing?

Culture promotes identity, resilience, and self-esteem.

What are examples of cultural determinants of wellbeing?

Connection to Country, cultural continuity, self-determination, and language.

What is cultural continuity?

The preservation of traditions and carrying them forward across generations.

Why is cultural continuity important for Indigenous peoples?

It expresses self-determination, community strength, and a living relationship with ancestors, Country, and language.

How did colonisation impact cultural continuity?

Dispossession from land, denial of cultural practices, disruption of kinship, traditions, and language.

What were the consequences of disrupted cultural continuity?

Trauma, disadvantage, and loss of identity.

How does strong cultural identity act as a protective factor?

It reduces psychological stress, self-harm, and suicide.

How does restoring cultural continuity help?

It builds resilience and heals past trauma.

What is self-determination?

The right to make decisions about matters affecting one’s life.

What does self-determination mean for First Nations peoples?

The right to control their lives, communities, and futures.

Why is self-determination important?

It is crucial for overcoming disadvantage and leads to better health and wellbeing outcomes.

Does self-determination mean separation from wider Australia?

No, it is about empowerment within Australia.

What barriers have limited self-determination?

Colonisation, exclusion from laws and policies, and systemic oppression.

What is the current government stance on self-determination?

Recognition that best outcomes occur when Indigenous peoples lead policy, service design, delivery, and evaluation.

What evidence shows self-determination benefits?

Higher mental wellbeing, stronger identity, ownership, and resilience.

What is the Victorian Government’s Aboriginal Health, Wellbeing and Safety Plan (2017–2027)?

A plan recognising self-determination as essential to improving Indigenous health and wellbeing.

What are the three reasons self-determination is crucial according to the plan?

(1) It works – effective and sustainable, (2) It’s a right – supported by law and human rights, (3) It’s requested – Indigenous peoples have long called for it.