The best way to build your cultural awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is by meeting with them, talking with them and forming valuable relationships. Cultural awareness is not one activity, it is an ongoing journey.
The following resources may be a good place for you to start:
- Share our pride: Developed by Reconciliation Australia, this site provides an introduction to cultural awareness training. This site is not a substitute for these deeper experiences; rather it is a starting point for your journey.
- First Peoples Health and Practice Portal: This portal has been designed specifically for Griffith University Health students about to undertake their clinical placements. It has been developed in collaboration with community members, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers, medical staff and students who have previously completed student placements. Although the portal features QLD profiles, the site provides a comprehensive introduction for cultural awareness.
- Australians Together: Is a not-for-profit organisation, aiming to build relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians by sharing stories, holding events and providing resources to promote understanding of Indigenous culture. There is an emphasis on understanding the past as a basis of moving forward and committing to a better future.
- GP Synergy Solitaire App: GP Sydney has launched a new app designed by GP Synergy Aboriginal Liaison Officer, and Moree Elder, Val Dahlstrom to ensure younger generations understand Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history since colonisation. The app, in the form of a solitaire game, provides players with insights into the events that have shaped the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. You can down the ‘Solitaire Explore’ app for free from the Apple App Store and Google Play for Android – simply search ‘Solitaire Explore‘ or go to: http://solitaire.gpsynergy.com.au/
- National Scheme’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Cultural Safety Strategy: aims for health equity by 2031 and was developed in close partnership with many
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and experts. - The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP): establishes a universal framework of minimum standards for the survival, dignity and well-being of the indigenous peoples of the world and it elaborates on existing human rights standards and fundamental freedoms as they apply to the specific situation of indigenous peoples.
- Closing the Gap: reports are the annual reports to the Australian Parliament on progress in Closing the Gap in health and life expectancy between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians.
- An Evaluation Framework to Improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health: a framework for the evaluation of policies, programs and services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Australia.
