Indigenous country as a context for mental and physical health: yarning with the Nukunu Community
Date
2014
Authors
Trzepacz, D.
Guerin, B.
Thomas, J.
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Journal article
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Australian Community Psychologist, 2014; 26(2):37-53
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Abstract
It is often mentioned that Australian Indigenous people have a strong attachment to their Country that leads to better health outcomes, but it is unclear how these are concretely linked. Nukunu leaders and community members aged between 30-60 years (six men, four women), were asked in focus groups and interviews about their attachment to Country. The main themes that emerged suggested that: Their country brings Nukunu an identity and sense of belonging; that it was a place with nurturing qualities; people felt unhappy and unfulfilled away from their land; people returned to country to recover from illness; and activities conducted on country such as natural resource management provided Nukunu with group cohesiveness and empowerment. The implications of findings suggest Nukunu people should return to Country when experiencing any illness, as it has clear benefits to psychosocial wellbeing. Some suggested pathways from being on Country to better physical and mental health are presented. Further research should investigate how Indigenous attachment to Country can be better incorporated into mental health practices.
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Copyright 2014 The Australian Psychological Society