Indigenous Health
An introduction to some of the issues underlying the
Current state of Indigenous Health

Yaitya Purruna coordinates and delivers the follwing course as part of the 2nd Year Medical and Health Science curriculum, Faculty of Health Sciences.

Aims: To introduce students to an analysis of Indigenous health that draws on inter-disciplinary theoretical frameworks from the Humanities, Social Sciences including reference to frameworks developed by Indigenous Social Scientists, Writers and Artists.

Objectives:

• Students will explore historical, social and cultural contexts and their application to an analysis of particular Indigenous health problems.
• Students will gain an understanding of issues connected to identity and cultural diversity as they relate to developments in the relationship between the health professional and the Indigenous client.
• Students will complete the elective with an increased understanding of some of the underlying historical, social and cultural issues, facing Indigenous Australians and their relationship to health and wellbeing as defined by Indigenous people.

Overview of concepts: The course will be divided into roughly three equal phases covering;

1. Diversity. Historical differences in the time and impact of white settlement, the ongoing effects on culture and language, and the impact of poverty and lack of resources on Indigenous peoples.
2. Social and emotional wellbeing, including a social and historical analysis of substance misuse, incorporating international comparisons with contemporary Indigenous responses to these issues in North America and New Zealand.
3. Primary health care in Indigenous communities, with particular focus on community development and the role of Indigenous health workers involved in social health projects. Comparisons will be drawn with similar projects in North America and New Zealand.