Savage, Dorothy, and Gair, Susan (2014) Hearing and understanding the past in order to strengthen the future. In: Francis, Abraham P., Pulla, Venkat, Clark, Michael, Mariscal, E.Susana, and Ponnuswami, Ilango, (eds.) Advancing Social Work in Mental Health through Strengths-Based Practice. Primrose Hall, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, pp. 172-182.

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Abstract

Working genuinely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples begins with recognizing their incredible strengths and inspirational struggles against the impact of colonization. Equally, recognising the importance of culture and family is vital. In this chapter we begin with identifying Australia's hidden history. We discuss the Australian public's blindness to past atrocities, and condemn ongoing racism as contributing to high rates of 'non-wellbeing' in Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations. These distinct Indigenous cultural groups in Australia share a common history of colonialist rule, however some events including massacres, stolen children and forced removal of individuals and groups to Government missions are quite different. Nevertheless, much of the available literature merges these groups, making reference to unique experiences more difficult. Upholding human rights, strengths, hope and a vision for a better future will contribute to the sustained mental health of all Indigenous Australians. To begin with insight and empathy from where Indigenous peoples stand in a contemporary context is to start from an Indigenous worldview of Past, Present and Future.

Item ID:	33969
Item Type:	Book Chapter (Research - B1)
ISBN:	978-1-312-23230-3
Date Deposited:	23 Jul 2014 00:21
FoR Codes:	16 STUDIES IN HUMAN SOCIETY > 1607 Social Work > 160799 Social Work not elsewhere classified @ 100%
SEO Codes:	94 LAW, POLITICS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES > 9401 Community Service (excl. Work) > 940102 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Development and Welfare @ 100%
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