About

Aboriginal people have long sought greater recognition of the importance of culture for the health and wellbeing of people. This is supported by growing evidence that not only identifies the relationships between cultural participation and wellbeing, but suggests that addressing social determinants (for example, income, education) remains necessary but not sufficient for improved outcomes in this population. At the same time, Aboriginal health advocates have also requested a reframing of Indigenous health from a narrative that is negative and deficit-based, and frequently compares social and health indicators between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal population, to a story of vitality, which Aboriginal people control.

This PhD research privileges Aboriginal positions of the importance of culture for the wellbeing outcomes, and explores the relationships between them. The research is situated in Central Australia and was supported by a close working relationships with Aboriginal community controlled partner organisations in this region. We draw on baseline data from the Mayi Kuwayu Study and contextualise findings through qualitative data and field work experience. The research argues that culture is strength and that the relationship between culture and wellbeing are complex and multidirectional, but overwhelming positive. Further, these relationships are deeply embedded in place and context. Despite this complexity, utilising community participation and place-based analysis has the potential to shift the focus of policy and programs to better align with Indigenous values and knowledge systems.

Bio

Alyson Wright is a PhD student with the NCEPH’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Program. Alyson has spent over 18 years living in Central Australia and working with Aboriginal organisations in the Northern Territory. Prior to starting the PhD, Alyson completed her MAE and was placed in the Indigenous Health Division of the Australian Government Department of Health. Upon completion of her Masters, she worked with National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers Association and on the Mayi Kuwayu Study. She is currently working with the NT Centre for Disease Control on the public health response to outbreaks of COVID-19.