HLSC120: Indigenous Health and Culture
Mary is 62-year-old Torres Strait Islander women who is married to John, a 66-year-old Torres Strait Islander man. Mary and John are Muralag people of Waibene also known as Thursday Island where they have raised their six children on country. Mary and John are respected elders, who are engaged in all aspects of their community. Mary is an active member in the community health service board and the local high school board. John has been a land rights activist and continues his engagement with the local land’s council. Both Mary and John also have individual commitments to Men’s and Women’s business. Their commitment to their own community provides Mary and John with a sense of independence and empowerment. Despite their local commitments to community, Mary and John are also raising three of their grandchildren. This is due to their daughter and son-inlaw (Jada and Will) being unable to secure employment on their homeland. Jada and Will have had to travel across to North-Queensland, away from their mob for the summer months to secure employment and earn some money for their family. Mary has always considered herself the matriarch of the family and although she enjoys having her grandchildren in her home, she has started to feel overwhelmed by her responsibilities and commitments. Mary and John take their youngest granddaughter Rumi to her first day of preschool, when submitting the enrolment paperwork, the administrator questions why they have indicated that Rumi is of Torres Strait Islander descent, stating that she has fair skin. Rumi tugs on grandmother’s dress and whispers in her ear, why is she (the administrator) being so mean.
Question 4 Aboriginal Land Rights councils, Aboriginal Medical Services, and the Healing
Foundation are examples of self-determination, having been created by and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Discuss how these or other similar organisations improve the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People Answer •
Review:
- History of the treatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, particularly in relation to health care
- History of changes to health care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from late 60’s, introduction ofAMS at Redfern, changes in policy since then
- Self-determination – including principles
- NACCHO
Lecture 2
Lecture 8
Question 5 Reflecting on Mary’s encounter with the preschool administrator and similar shared experiences by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Discuss how this experience could affect Mary’s future ability to access and use services provided by Institutions such as Government agencies and health services?
Answer:What are the verbs?• Define your terms Review:
- History of racism and institutional racism in Australia
- Cross-cultural communication – need for/ value of cross-cultural communication, principles, strategies
Lecture 2
Lecture 3
Question 6 Mary and her granddaughter, Rumi, were questioned about their personal connection to each other and about Rumi’s legitimacy as a Torres Strait Islander person. Discuss this situation in relation to cultural safety principles. Include in your discussion, how identity is acknowledged among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Answer What are the verbs? What is the question asking you to do?
- Define your terms :Cultural safety , Aboriginal and/orTorres Strait Islander person
Review
- Cultural safety – principles and actions
Lecture 1 Lecture 3