A methodological approach to generate local solutions that promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional wellbeing on Kaurna Country, Australia
Date
2025
Authors
Dawson, A.
Warrior, E.
Pearson, O.
Boyd, M.
Dwyer, J.
Morey, K.
Brodie, T.
Towers, K.
Waters, S.
Avila, C.
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Journal article
Citation
First Nations Health and Wellbeing - The Lowitja Journal, 2025; 3:100043-1-100043-19
Statement of Responsibility
Anna Dawson, Eugene Warrior, Odette Pearson, Mark Boyd, Judith Dwyer, Kim Morey, Tina Brodie, Kurt Towers, Sonia Waters, Cynthia Avila, Courtney Hammond, Katherine Lake, Uncle Frank Lampard, Uncle Frank Wanganeen, Olive Bennell, Darrien Bromley, Toni Shearing, Nathan Rigney, Schania Czygan, Nikki Clinch, Natasha Howard, Alex Brown
Conference Name
Abstract
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are diverse, strong and faced with adverse social circumstances and unacceptable health and wellbeing outcomes wrought by colonisation. The need for strengths-based initiatives that tailor services according to local knowledges is well accepted, yet few studies have evaluated self-determined strategies to redress the social determinants of health. We describe a research approach where principles of Indigenous methodology guide application of implementation science methods to generate, implement and evaluate local solutions from the perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Partnerships with local communities and service organisations are paramount. The co-design phase collected critical insights regarding community needs, challenges and service gaps, and identified shortfalls in local strategic policy. A co-designed theory of systems change articulates mechanisms to strengthen policy, optimise the health and social service system, and empower and connect communities. A developmental approach to the implementation and evaluation of individual, community and service system initiatives will generate new evidence regarding efforts to tackle social factors and promote wellbeing.
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© 2025 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Lowitja Institute (National Institute for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research Ltd). This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http:// creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).