Colonisation has resulted in inequity, racism and the disruption of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. In fact, it has been the most detrimental of the determinants of health that continues to significantly influence Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health outcomes today.
In 2015–2017, life expectancy at birth for Indigenous Australians was estimated to be 71.6 years for males and 75.6 years for females. In comparison, over the same period life expectancy at birth for non-Indigenous Australians was 80.2 years for males and 83.4 years for females (Figure 1) (AIHW 2019).
Heavy drinking is severely impacting the remote Indigenous communities of the Northern Territory causing more social, economic and physical damages. This public health and wellbeing issues could be prevented by changing the harmful drinking pattern of Indigenous people in the Northern Territory.
Aboriginal people lost their lands to the European invaders, a war that is often omitted from history books and education, hence 'forgotten'.
The most common motive for a massacre was reprisal for the killing of settler civilians but at least 51 massacres were in reprisal for the killing or theft of livestock or property.
Since 1992, common law has admitted the existence of Indigenous customary laws, which inhered in another normative system. But, to date, the use of Indigenous custom in matters such as sentencing, including through in circle courts, remains sparse, patchy and inadequate.
Significant risk factors that can impact on the social emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities include:
- widespread grief and loss.
- impacts of the Stolen Generations and removal of children.
- unresolved trauma.
- separation from culture and identity issues.
Social, political, economic and environmental factors that impact on Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health include:
- Health outcomes.
- Stolen generations.
- Colonisation and invasion.
- Land rights and native title.
- Dispossession.
- Acts of government including assimilation policies.
- Racism and discrimination.
- Media.
Indigenous Australians are known to have the lowest economic status of all Australians. Poor socio-economic, education and employment levels have links to financial hardship, poverty, debt, homelessness, family breakdown, social isolation and crime.
Children who have experienced trauma often have difficulty understanding their own feelings. Wanting to avoid shame and embarrassment can also prevent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families from seeking and receiving support when they need it.
For many Indigenous people, land relates to all aspects of existence - culture, spirituality, language, law, family and identity. That person is entrusted with the knowledge and responsibility to care for their land, providing a deep sense of identity, purpose and belonging.
Health and disability key points
- Self-assessed health status.
- Mental health.
- Respiratory diseases.
- Cardiovascular disease.
- Diabetes.
- Chronic kidney disease.
- Cancer.
- Injury and poisoning.
It is the basis of traditions, customs, protocols, values, spirituality, ceremonies, language, ways of knowing and being, and connections to the land and the life-sustaining resources of the land. Culture permeates all aspects of life and is essential to the overall well-being of Indigenous communities and individuals.
' Learning about Aboriginal histories and cultures allow students to deepen their knowledge of the history of Australia and to develop an understanding of cultural difference and respect for diversity.
5 lessons our selfish society could learn from tribal and indigenous peoples
- Money isn't the key to happiness.
- Spend less time working and more time with family and friends.
- Grow strong relationships with your community.
- Give what you can spare to others who are in need.
- Prioritize peace and equality.
Aboriginal refers to the original peoples of mainland Australia. Torres Strait Islander refers to the original peoples of the 274 islands located north of Australia, in the Torres Strait. The word was used in Australia to describe the original people of the land as early as 1789.
Australian Aboriginal culture includes a number of practices and ceremonies centered on a belief in the Dreamtime and other mythology. Reverence and respect for the land and oral traditions are emphasised. Aboriginal music has developed a number of unique instruments.
Aboriginal HistoryThese groups had complex kinship systems and rules for social interaction; they had roles relating to law, education, spiritual development and resource management; they had language, ceremonies, customs and traditions and extensive knowledge of their environment.
