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Close the Gap (2020)

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Summary

This report is about the role of culture in the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It focuses on the four domains of cultural determinants: self-determination and leadership, Indigenous beliefs and knowledge, cultural expression and continuity, and connection to Country. It recognises the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander empowerment and highlights Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-driven approaches to health policy and program reform. The report also acknowledges the impact of cultural disruption and suppression on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's health and wellbeing, and the role of governments in leading systems reform.

Q&As

What is the purpose of the report "We nurture our culture for our future, and our culture nurtures us"?
The purpose of the report "We nurture our culture for our future, and our culture nurtures us" is to reflect the reciprocal and cyclical relationship between culture and wellbeing, whereby nurturing culture keeps us, and our future generations, healthy and strong.

What are the four domains of the cultural determinants discussed in the report?
The four domains of the cultural determinants discussed in the report are self-determination and leadership, Indigenous beliefs and knowledge, cultural expression and continuity, and connection to Country.

How is the trauma of cultural disruption and suppression affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's health and wellbeing?
The trauma of cultural disruption and suppression is having a profound effect on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's health and wellbeing. Ongoing racism within the health system and externally continues to contribute to this trauma.

How can governments promote cultural expression as a health protective factor?
Governments can promote cultural expression as a health protective factor by taking measures to ensure the cultural safety of the health system.

What must governments do to match the work of communities in improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people?
Governments must lead systems reform through shared decision-making, equitable (and sustained) funding, and a cohesive policy approach in order to match the work of communities in improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

AI Comments

👍 This article provides an in-depth look at the complex and important knowledge systems held by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and the need for governments to recognize their expertise in health research, policy and program development.

👎 This article fails to address the remaining cultural domains of language and family, kinship and community, which could be critical to understanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing.

AI Discussion

Me: The article is about the need to close the gap on health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It discusses the importance of self-determination and leadership, cultural expression and continuity, and connection to Country in order to improve health outcomes.

Friend: That's really important. Do you think there has been enough action by governments to address this issue?

Me: Unfortunately not. Despite twelve years of attempting to close the gap, there has been a failure to deliver the necessary reforms. This report highlights the need for governments to take a more active role in decision-making and to provide equitable and sustained funding for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health services.

Action items

Research and learn more about the cultural determinants of health and wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Reach out to local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and communities to learn more about their experiences and perspectives.
Advocate for policy and program reform that is informed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander self-determination and leadership.

Technical terms

Self-determination: The right of a group of people to determine their own political, economic, social, and cultural development.
Self-governance: The ability of a group of people to make decisions and take action on their own behalf.
Shared decision-making: A process in which all stakeholders in a decision-making process are involved in the decision-making process.
Cultural determinants: Factors that influence the health and wellbeing of a population, such as language, beliefs, and connection to country.
Indigenous beliefs and knowledge: The beliefs and knowledge held by Indigenous people, which are often based on their connection to the land and their culture.
Cultural expression: The ways in which a culture is expressed, such as through language, art, music, and dance.
Cultural continuity: The preservation of a culture over time, including its language, beliefs, and traditions.
Connection to Country: The spiritual and physical connection that Indigenous people have to the land, sea, and environment.