Bringing Aboriginal Cultural Knowledge into Therapeutic Practice: Perspectives from First Nations Health Workers.
Tracks
Ballroom 1
| Wednesday, May 14, 2025 |
| 1:50 PM - 2:20 PM |
Overview
Kaiwarr Clancy & Anna Grager, The University of Sydney
Speaker
Mr Kaiwarr Clancy
Research Assistant
Edith Collins Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney
Bringing Aboriginal Cultural Knowledge into Therapeutic Practice: Perspectives from First Nations health workers
Abstract
Current behavioural-change programs delivered in prisons covering topics such as substance use, violence management and gambling, may not address the underlying causes of these behaviours among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Young First Nations people can benefit from wellbeing programs if they are evidence-based and apply culturally based healing. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health professionals understand and successfully apply culturally based healing to support the rehabilitation of First Nations people breaking the cycle through recovery, from physical health to mental wellbeing. This presentation will outline the results of qualitative, semi-structured yarning sessions with 27 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers. Key study findings will be discussed in comparison to results from a scoping review of First Nations-specific programs delivered in prison in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the USA.
Yarning sessions were conducted with 27 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers across Sydney, Central Coast, Perth and Broome. Workers came from a diverse range of professional backgrounds, as well as lived experience of substance-use and prison time. In the yarns, we asked participants about how they use culture in therapy when supporting a client’s healing to recovery and reengagement with community. As well as a yarning methodology, data collection and analysis were conducted through an Aboriginal lens.
In this presentation, we will highlight key findings from the yarns which will inform the development and core curricula components to be included in a Social and Emotional Wellbeing program framework. This new culturally based program will be further refined with input from a range of professionals experienced with delivering prison-based programs, and then pilot tested to assess feasibility for future implementation with young First Nations people in prison.
Yarning sessions were conducted with 27 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers across Sydney, Central Coast, Perth and Broome. Workers came from a diverse range of professional backgrounds, as well as lived experience of substance-use and prison time. In the yarns, we asked participants about how they use culture in therapy when supporting a client’s healing to recovery and reengagement with community. As well as a yarning methodology, data collection and analysis were conducted through an Aboriginal lens.
In this presentation, we will highlight key findings from the yarns which will inform the development and core curricula components to be included in a Social and Emotional Wellbeing program framework. This new culturally based program will be further refined with input from a range of professionals experienced with delivering prison-based programs, and then pilot tested to assess feasibility for future implementation with young First Nations people in prison.
Biography
Associate Professor Michael Doyle (PhD) is a Bardi man from the remote northwest Kimberely region of Australia. He has worked in Aboriginal health since 1998, first in health service delivery roles and then into research in 2008. Michael is a mixed-methods researcher. His research aims to improve health service delivery to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have alcohol and other drug use issues involved in the criminal justice system. Presently, Michael is the Head of the Aboriginal and Priority Populations team at the Edith Collins Centre for translational research in alcohol, drugs, and toxicology.
Karina Clarkson
Associate Lecturer / Mphil Student
The University Of Sydney
Navigating Cultural Load: Insights into the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander AOD Workforce in NSW
Abstract
This Master of Philosophy (MPhil) project investigates the impacts of cultural load on the alcohol and other drug (AOD) workforce within non-Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) in New South Wales (NSW). The research aims to understand the contributors to cultural load, examine its effects on social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB), and explore how it influences workloads, job satisfaction, and career progression among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander AOD workers.
The study addresses the limited literature on cultural load, particularly within the AOD sector, and seeks to provide insights that can lead to improved culturally safe work practices. By identifying the nuances of cultural load, the project aims to strengthen leadership, enhance recruitment and retention, and reduce stress and burnout in the sector. This, in turn, is expected to advance culturally responsive service delivery, improving the experience and engagement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander AOD service users and leading to better health outcomes.
The literature review highlights the ongoing impacts of colonialism, racism, and social exclusion on the SEWB of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, who disproportionately represent 20% of the AOD service client base in NSW. Cultural load encompasses additional cultural responsibilities and expectations placed on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers, often unrecognized in their job descriptions. Factors contributing to cultural load include media discourse, significant cultural dates, political issues, and community expectations.
The research aims to define cultural load within the context of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander AOD workforce in NSW, build an evidence base to support the sector, and develop strategies to mitigate cultural load and enhance workplace cultural safety.
The study addresses the limited literature on cultural load, particularly within the AOD sector, and seeks to provide insights that can lead to improved culturally safe work practices. By identifying the nuances of cultural load, the project aims to strengthen leadership, enhance recruitment and retention, and reduce stress and burnout in the sector. This, in turn, is expected to advance culturally responsive service delivery, improving the experience and engagement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander AOD service users and leading to better health outcomes.
The literature review highlights the ongoing impacts of colonialism, racism, and social exclusion on the SEWB of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, who disproportionately represent 20% of the AOD service client base in NSW. Cultural load encompasses additional cultural responsibilities and expectations placed on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers, often unrecognized in their job descriptions. Factors contributing to cultural load include media discourse, significant cultural dates, political issues, and community expectations.
The research aims to define cultural load within the context of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander AOD workforce in NSW, build an evidence base to support the sector, and develop strategies to mitigate cultural load and enhance workplace cultural safety.
Biography
Karina Clarkson, a proud Gamillaroi/Dunghutti woman from NSW, is an Associate Lecturer at the University of Sydney. With over 15 years of experience in the alcohol and other drug, and mental health sectors, she focuses on teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students about health and wellbeing. Karina is passionate about empowering these communities through strengths-based teaching. She is also completing a Master in Philosophy, exploring the impacts of cultural load on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Alcohol and Other Drug workforce in NSW.
