Resources Hub
Education, Student Support, and Workforce
These resources are designed to assist in transforming and decolonising psychology curricula, building knowledge capacity, supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation in psychology, and building a culturally responsive mental health workforce.
Allied Health | Cultural Awareness, Responsiveness, and Safety | Cultural Immersion | Curriculum Development | Ethics | Health Profile and Statistics | History and Culture | International Literature | Lesson Plans and Learning Guides | Partnering with Indigenous Communities | Programs, Monitoring, and Evaluation | Placements | Policy | Recruitment and Student Support | Reviewing and Mapping Tools | Workforce
Allied Health
Cultural experiences of student and new-graduate dietitians in the Gomeroi gaaynggal ArtsHealth program: a quality assurance project
Issue addressed: Undergraduate dietetic students are required to demonstrate cultural awareness and culturally respectful communication
Cultural Responsiveness in Action – An IAHA Framework
The IAHA Cultural Responsiveness Framework provides information and support to prepare you to engage in
Cultural respect strategies in Australian Aboriginal primary health care services: beyond education and training of practitioners
Objective: There is little literature on health-service-level strategies for culturally respectful care to Aboriginal and
The role of traditional medicine practice in primary health care within Aboriginal Australia: a review of the literature
The practice of traditional Aboriginal medicine within Australia is at risk of being lost due
Cultural Awareness, Responsiveness, and Safety
The Australian Psychological Society’s Apology to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People
The gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non‐Indigenous health, education, mental health, and
Colonisation, racism and Indigenous health
In settler-colonies such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United States, the historical impacts
Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Declaration: National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership in Mental Health
The Wharerātā Group of Indigenous mental health leaders from Canada, the United States, Australia, Samoa
Working together: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health and wellbeing principles and practices.
The Working Together: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health and Wellbeing Principles and Practice
Bringing Them Home: National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from their Families
This report is a tribute to the strength and struggles of many thousands of Aboriginal
Cultural Immersion
Indigenous Knowledge and Mental Health
This text represents a wholly refreshing, important, challenging, and creative contribution to the literature addressing
Demonstrating the relationship between culture, on-country activity and positive social outcomes for Indigenous young people
This article provides a discussion of research literature concerned with the efficacy of on-country activity,
Kaartajin Ngundabut Indigenous Cultural Knowledge
This is the second video in a three-part video series and collaboration between the Transforming
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health in General Practice: An introduction to teaching and learning
This guide sets out how GP Supervisors can strengthen teaching and learning about Aboriginal and
An introduction to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health cultural protocols and perspectives
This document provides a guide to appropriate and respectful behaviour with Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Curriculum Development
Teaching Indigenous psychology: A conscientisation, de-colonisation, and psychological literacy approach to curriculum
For at least 20 years, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, leaders, educators and mental
Australian Indigenous Psychology Education Project Curriculum Framework
The objective of the AIPEP Curriculum Framework is to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Curriculum Framework
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Curriculum Framework (the Framework) has been developed to
Implementing an Intercultural Psychology Undergraduate Unit: Approach, Strategies, and Outcomes
The relative absence of Indigenous and multicultural perspectives in core undergraduate psychology curriculum is said
National Best Practice Framework for Cultural Competency in Australian Universities
This website contains some of the information from the National Best Practice Framework for Cultural
Ethics
‘We’re checking them out’: Indigenous and non-Indigenous research participants’ accounts of deciding to be involved in research
Background: It is important for researchers to understand the motivations and decision-making processes of participants
Closing the gaps in and through Indigenous health research: guidelines, processes and practices
Research in Aboriginal contexts remains a vexed issue given the ongoing inequities and injustices in
Letters: Would the Northern Territory plan pass the Government’s own ethical guidelines?
One of the sad realities of human nature is our propensity to seek immediate solutions
Health Profile and Statistics
Heal Our Way
Heal Our Way is a NSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Campaign funded
Engaging Australian Aboriginal youth in mental health services
It is currently estimated that up to 40% of Aboriginal youth (aged 13–17) will experience
Whole of community suicide prevention forums for Aboriginal Australians
It is well known that Aboriginal Australians are at increased risk of suicide. Contributors to
A question of justice: Critically researching suicide with Indigenous studies of affect, biosociality, and land-based relations
This paper considers how Indigenous studies can inform the evolution of critical research on suicide.
History and Culture
What are the Frontier Wars?
The Frontier Wars refer to conflicts between Europeans and Aboriginal people including battles, acts of
Gambay – Languages Map
First Languages Australia is working with regional language centres nationally to develop a map of
First languages Australia
First Languages Australia works to ensure that the wishes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
A Radical Activist’s Manifesto for Indigenous Australian Mental Health: Rob Riley’s legacy twenty years on
In 1995, Indigenous leader and activist Rob Riley became the first Aboriginal person to deliver
Benny and the Dreamers (1992)
A small group of Pintupi living in west Central Australia today can remember their first
International Literature
Reconciling Relations: Shifting Counselling Psychology to Address Truth and Reconciliation
In 2018, the Canadian Counselling Psychology Conference (CCPC) convened a working group to address how
First Nations, Metis, & Inuit University Students’ Share Advice for College Entry and Retention
This article provides results from focus groups and individual interviews with current and former students
Contributions to urban Indigenous self-determination: The story of Neeginan and Kaupapa Māori
This paper considers two different Indigenous-led initiatives, the Neeginan initiative (Winnipeg, Canada) and the Kaupapa
Indigenous climate change studies: Indigenizing futures, decolonizing the anthropocene
Indigenous and allied scholars, knowledge keepers, scientists, learners, change-makers, and leaders are creating a field
Fighting a Different Battle: Challenges Facing American Indians in Higher Education
Educational access and attainment are among the most pressing issues facing Indian Country. Of particular
Lesson Plans and Learning Guides
AIATSIS Guide to evaluating and selecting education resources
The purpose of the AIATSIS Guide to evaluating and selecting education resources (the Guide) is
Understanding the Frontier Wars
This resource accompanies the SBS documentary The Australian Wars (produced by Blackfella Films) about the
Pulling Together: A Guide for Curriculum Developers.
The Curriculum Developers guide is part of an open professional learning series developed for staff
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health in General Practice: An introduction to teaching and learning
This guide sets out how GP Supervisors can strengthen teaching and learning about Aboriginal and
The deconstruction exercise: an assessment tool for enhancing critical thinking in cultural safety education.
The ‘deconstruction exercise’ aims to give non-Indigenous health profession students the ability to recognise language
Partnering with Indigenous Communities
What does decolonisation within psychology mean for me?
Overview This panel discussion will explore the definitions and application of decolonisation in Australia. Specifically,
Cultural safety in Trauma-Informed Practice: What’s culture got to do with it?
Overview This webinar explores the importance of culture in therapeutic practice, and will cover: concepts
“Getting It Right: Creating Partnerships for Change”: Developing a Framework for Integrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledges in Australian Social Work Education
This article proposes a theoretical framework for integrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges in
Programs, Monitoring, and Evaluation
An Evaluation of the National Empowerment Project Cultural, Social, and Emotional Wellbeing Program
An array of cumulative risk and stress factors, and social inequities, have contributed to high
What the people said: Findings from the regional Roundtables of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Evaluation Project
This paper summarises key findings from the six community regional Roundtables that were undertaken as
Aboriginal communities improving Aboriginal health: An evidence review on the contribution of Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services to improving Aboriginal health
Aboriginal communities have a long history of working to address the needs of Aboriginal peoples.
Teaching intercultural competencies in introductory psychology via application of the excellence in cultural experiential learning and leadership model
This article describes a pilot evaluation involving teaching and learning activities focussed on developing intercultural
Footprints in time: the longitudinal study of Indigenous children
This website provides information on the Footprints in Time study and links to its publications.
Placements
AIATSIS Guide to evaluating and selecting education resources
The purpose of the AIATSIS Guide to evaluating and selecting education resources (the Guide) is
The Indigenous Turn: Epistemic Justice, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, and Social and Emotional Well-Being.
Colonial research practices across centuries have appropriated, exploited, and effectively ignored Indigenous knowledges across time.
Caring for Country: Indigenous Wellbeing, Law, and Environmental Justice
Climate change is emerging as a global determinant of mental health and wellbeing impacting existing
Policy
Achieving stability for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out-of-home care – SNAICC Policy Position Statement
SNAICC and many of its members have been watching with concern as, around the country,
The evolving policy context in mental health and wellbeing
This chapter outlines the role of policy in setting directions for, and achieving change in,
Apology to Australia’s Indigenous peoples. Transcript of Speech by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, MP, to the Parliament of Australia, 13 February 2008
Invited Members of the Stolen Generations heard first-hand in the gallery of The House of
Recruitment and Student Support
Collaborative practices and partnerships to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
Griffith University has one of the largest cohorts of Indigenous students, with 815 enrolments to
Australian Indigenous Psychology Education Project Guidelines for Increasing the Recruitment, Retention and Graduation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Psychology Students
AIPEP Guidelines for Increasing the Recruitment, Retention and Graduation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
High school outreach in remote northwest Queensland
The QIMR Berghofer’s Science and Young Minds project aimed to inspire the scientists and medical
A profile of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander higher education student population
This paper brings together recent statistics relating to the participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Reviewing and Mapping Tools
Ausplat Conference: 17-19 September 2021
The following document provides links to access the Ausplat (Australian Psychology Learning and Teaching) conference
Workforce
Australian Indigenous Psychology Education Project Workforce Capabilities Framework
The objective of the AIPEP Workforce Capabilities Framework is to document the knowledge, skills and
Supporting Aboriginal mental health workers: research into perspectives on system change
This report is an evaluation of the Aboriginal Mental Health Workers (AMHW) program in remote
Shifting gears in careers: Identifying drivers of career development for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers in the health sector
This paper explores how the Australian health sector might improve opportunities for career development for
The Djurruwang Program: Cultural affirmation for effective mental health
This chapter outlines the growth and development of the Djirruwang Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Health Care and Indigenous Australians: Cultural Safety in Practice
Health Care and Indigenous Australians: Cultural safety in practice uses a cultural safety approach for
Topic Areas
These resources are designed to provide information on specific topics related to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health and wellbeing.
Alcohol and Drug Misuse Prevention
This New Short Film Details The Horrors Of Indigenous Displacement & Incarceration First-Hand
With NAIDOC Week observances ongoing for 2021, important spotlights are being placed on the issues
Impact on Indigenous Australians
The Commission contracted research into the impact of stigma and discrimination on Aboriginal and Torres
Review of illicit drug use among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the use of illicit
Harmful Substance Use and Mental Health
In this chapter, we briefly examine harmful substance use and mental health among Aboriginal Australians.
Addictions – Violence and Spirituality
We Al-li community and workplace workshops are an Indigenous therapeutic response to individual, family and
LGBTQIASB+
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander LGBTQIASB+ people and mental health and wellbeing
The high rates of suicide-related behaviour among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, combined with
Indigenous Psychology
Self-determination and strengths-based Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander suicide prevention: An emerging evidence-based approach
This chapter explores the emerging international evidence-base within Indigenous suicide research which supports holistic, strengths-based,
Addressing inequities in Indigenous mental health and wellbeing through transformative and decolonising research and practice
Aim: This paper discusses the current mental health and social and emotional wellbeing in Indigenous
Aboriginal Participatory Action Research: An Indigenous Research Methodology Strengthening Decolonisation and Social and Emotional Wellbeing
This discussion paper explicates the concepts and application of a critically reflexive and transformative Indigenous
Decolonising Psychology: Validating Social and Emotional Wellbeing: Social and Emotional Wellbeing
Objective Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) is a multifaceted
A history of Indigenous psychology
This chapter discusses how the discipline and practice of psychology has been part of the
Justice Issues
Significance of Culture to Wellbeing, Healing and Rehabilitation
The Bugmy Bar Book is pleased to announce the publication of Significance of Culture to
This New Short Film Details The Horrors Of Indigenous Displacement & Incarceration First-Hand
With NAIDOC Week observances ongoing for 2021, important spotlights are being placed on the issues
Partnership for Justice in Health: Scoping Paper on Race, Racism and the Australian Health System
This discussion paper was first prepared as a scoping paper designed to assist the Partnership
Study protocol for screening and diagnosis of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) among young people sentenced to detention in Western Australia
Introduction Prenatal alcohol exposure can cause lifelong disability, including physical, cognitive and behavioural deficits, known
Aboriginal offender rehabilitation programs
This chapter highlights the ongoing over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the
Trauma and Trauma Informed Healing
Healing for Our Stolen Generations: sharing our stories
This report is a review of the first two years of projects funded under the
Community life and development programs: pathways to healing
This chapter provides an overarching framework for understanding the components of healthy communities through a
Addressing individual and community transgenerational trauma
This chapter provides a focus on trauma as cause and effect which, when untreated, can
Making Tracks: A Trauma-Informed Framework for Supporting Aboriginal Young People Leaving Care
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people leaving out-of-home care are even more likely to
Trauma and Recovery
We Al-li community and workplace workshops are an Indigenous therapeutic response to individual, family and
Psychological Assessments, Tests, and Practice
Culturally informed case conceptualisation: Developing a clinical psychology approach to treatment planning for non-Indigenous psychologists working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients
Background:In the context of the Australian Psychological Society’sformalapology and the increasing awareness of the need
“You’ve got to make it relevant”: barriers and ways forward for assessing cognition in Aboriginal clients
Background: Reliable cognitive assessment for non-western cultures is difficult given that mainstream tests typically rely
Principles of practice in mental health assessment with Aboriginal Australians
In this chapter, concepts and history of assessment and testing in the context of Aboriginal
Psychological and cognitive assessment of Indigenous Australians
Objective: The aim of the present review was to evaluate the psychological and cognitive assessments
Psychometric validation of the Growth and Empowerment Measure (GEM) applied with Indigenous Australians
Objective: Empowerment is a complex process of psychological, social, organizational and structural change. It allows
Racism
The Final Quarter
Adam Goodes was a champion AFL footballer and Indigenous leader. In the final three years
Racial Bias in Health Care and Health: Challenges and Opportunities
This Viewpoint describes the contribution of racial bias to disparities in health care and discusses
The DRUID study: racism and self-assessed health status in an indigenous population
Background: There is now considerable evidence from around the world that racism is associated with
Racism as a determinant of social and emotional wellbeing for Aboriginal Australian youth
Objective: To explore the associations between self-reported racism and health and wellbeing outcomes for young
The Boatshed Racism Roundtable Declaration
Over 40 leading researchers and academics from across Australia met at the University of Western
Reconciliation
Let the healing begin: Response to the government to the national apology to the Stolen Generations. Transcript of Speech to the Member’s Hall, Parliament House, Canberra
Tom Calma, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, Australian Human Rights and Equal
Australian Reconciliation Barometer 2012
Reconciliation Australia and Auspoll began collaboration on the Reconciliation Barometer research project in February 2007.
Indigenous reconciliation in Australia: do values, identity and collective guilt matter?
This paper reports an investigation of the impact of shared values and identities on Australian
Psychology and reconciliation: Australian perspectives
Australia is engaged in the process of reconciliation. In this paper we argue that psychology
Benny and the Dreamers (1992)
A small group of Pintupi living in west Central Australia today can remember their first
Social and Emotional Wellbeing
Understanding Aboriginal Models of Selfhood: The National Empowerment Project’s Cultural, Social, and Emotional Wellbeing Program in Western Australia
Culturally safe and responsive interventions that acknowledge Aboriginal models of selfhood are needed. Such interventions
Indigenous Healing Practices in Australia. Women & Therapy
Indigenous Australian women are among the most disadvantaged women in the world. Over two centuries
Enhancing wellbeing, empowerment, healing and leadership
This chapter explores the relevance of Aboriginal perspectives of empowerment, healing and leadership, as strategies
Social determinants of social and emotional wellbeing
This chapter explores current understandings of the social determinants of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social and Emotional Wellbeing
This chapter examines understandings of social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) with the aim of clarifying
Suicide Prevention
The aftermath of Aboriginal suicide: Lived experience as the missing foundation for suicide prevention and postvention
This paper aimed to highlight the systemic and theoretical barriers for Aboriginal and Torres Strait
The context and causes of the suicide of Indigenous people in Australia
When comparing suicide in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (Indigenous) population to that in
What works in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander suicide prevention?
Suicide is a complex behaviour with many causes. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
The Elders Report into preventing Indigenous self-harm and youth suicide
Interview excerpts of Elders featured in the Report. The Culture Is Life campaign aims to
Indigenous Suicide and Colonization: The Legacy of Violence and the Necessity of Self-Determination
Contemporary indigenous first nations psychologists have developed an alternative frame for viewing suicide that not
Whiteness and Decolonisation
What Contributions, if Any, Can Non-Indigenous Researchers Offer Toward Decolonizing Health Research?
Four non-Indigenous academics share lessons learned through our reflective processes while working with Indigenous Australian
Decolonising clinical psychology: National and international perspectives
Background Throughout the 19th and 20th Centuries psychology has been used as a tool of
Are We Asking the Right Questions? Why We Should Have a Decolonzing Discourse Based on Conscientization Rather Than Indigenizing the Curriculum
In this paper, we pose the question of terminology and definitions associated with the concept
