module 1 | Activity 4: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

Overview

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the First Peoples of Australia, and have lived on this land for over 60,000 years. They are the oldest continuous cultures on Earth. Australia has always been a multicultural continent. There were many different language groups and cultural ways before the arrival of Europeans. Significant diversity of cultures, social structures and ways of life exist among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Communities vary according to geographic location, environment and resources, each having their own unique cultural practices and protocols, beliefs, knowledge, Lore and material cultures.[1]

In 2021, 983,700 Australians identified as Indigenous (3.8% of the population). Of these:

• 91.7% identified as Aboriginal
• 4.0% identified as Torres Strait Islander
• 4.3% identified as both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander.[2]

Although Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have distinct cultures and societies, they share a history and experience of colonisation. This has created shared barriers to accessing palliative care. Quality care for people affected by life-limiting illness, especially at the end of life can only be achieved when it is culturally safe and responsive to the particular needs of individuals and communities. [3] The need to provide trauma-aware, healing-informed care is vital. It is also important to understand the protective factors and healing properties associated with cultural connection and expression. [4]

Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples affected by life-limiting illness is covered in depth in PCC4U Focus Topic 2.

Thinking Points

1. Review the activities provided in PCC4U Focus Topic 2 and consider your learning needs in relation to this area.

PalliBytes Module Links

PalliBytes Module: Culturally-responsive palliative care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

Related Links

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet

Palliative Care and End-of-Life Care Portal

Gwandalan Palliative Care eLearning Modules

Supporting palliative care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

PCNA Acknowledgement of Country excerpt

This recording tells a story of the first-hand experience of the barriers to accessing palliative care faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. As you watch the video, consider this question, "What actions can you take as a health professional to break down the access barriers to mainstream healthcare, experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples?"

References

1. Malaspinas, A., M. Westaway, and C. Muller, A genomic history of Aboriginal Australia. Nature, 2016. 538: p. 207-214.
2. Australian Bureau of Statistics. 2021. Estimates of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
3. Australian Government Department of Health. 2020. Exploratory Analysis of Barriers to Palliative Care: Issues Report on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
4. Mayi Kuwayu National Study of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Wellbeing-ANU. Mayi Kuwayu Website.