L11 - Concepts of H and W from First Nations Perspective

Positionality

recognising our position to place and time

Importance of Understanding Indigenous Health

• historical and cultural context can impact on wellbeing and mental health

• impact of colonisation and intergenerational trauma

• cultural responsiveness/competence improves relationships

• reduces health disparities and promotes equity

• supports quality care

• ethical responsibility under our professional standards

UNDRIP

• key internatonal human rights instrument explaining how existing human rights apply to indigenous peoples

• aus has endorsed UNDRIP

Wellness From Indigenous Standpoint

• holistic — encompasses mental, physical, and spiritual health

• harmonious inter-relations — cultural wellbeing

Social and Emotional Wellbeing

• recognises importance of connection to land, culture, spirituality, ancestry, family, and community and how these affect the indv

• if the connections are strong — your wellbeing is strong

Collective vs Individualistic

• first nations — largely collectivist

• strong focus on family, community, kinship

• identity connected to each other and land and water

• western psych — individualistic values

• psychologists must adapt approaches for culturally appropriate care

Historical Trauma

• collective and psychological harm across generations

• results from major traumatic events affecting a group

• can be transmitted intergenerationally

• linked to colonisation, forced displacement

• impacts wellbeing, identity, and community wellbeing

Social Determinants of Health

• conditions in which people born, grow, live, work and age

• influence physical and mental health outcomes

• include econ stability, edu, healthcare access and environment

• shaped by social policies and distro of resources

• major driver of health inequalities

Social Determinants of Health

• cultural identity, traditions, language and connection to land and water

• strong connections improves health and wellbeing

• important for culturally safe healthcare

• self determination

Reflexivity

• critically examine ones own attitude, values and biases w a view to engaging w people in a manner that is culturally safe