Aboriginal health
One perspective of Aboriginal health takes a holistic view or whole-of-life approach to social and emotional wellbeing which includes the physical, social, emotional and cultural wellbeing of the community.
This differs from an illness or clinical perspective, recognising the importance of connection to land, culture, spirituality, ancestry, family and community, and how these affect the individual.
Social Determinants of Health
The social determinants of health are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age. The unacceptable level of health disadvantage still being experienced by many Aboriginal people highlights that there is much still to be done, particularly using a whole-of-government approach to increase the life expectancy and quality of life for Aboriginal people.
The social and emotional well-being of Aboriginal people is affected by a range of social determinants of health. These include:
- Inter-generational trauma
- Institutional and individual discrimination and racism
- Lower income and standards of living
- Poor quality and over-crowded housing and community infrastructure
- Poor outcomes in health, education, employment and the justice system
Cultural Determinants of Health
The cultural determinants of health include:
- Self-determination
- Freedom from institutional and individual discrimination and racism
- Individual and collective rights
- Freedom from assimilation and destruction of culture
- Protection from removal / relocation
- Connection to, custodianship and utilisation of country and traditional lands
- Reclamation, revitalisation, preservation and promotion of language and cultural practices
- Protection and promotion of Traditional Knowledge and Aboriginal Intellectual Property
- Understanding of lore, law and traditional roles and responsibilities
Improving Aboriginal health and wellbeing