Epigenetic Echoes: Bridging Nature, Nurture, and Healing Across Generations

Trauma can impact individuals within a generation (intragenerational) and future generations (transgenerational) through a complex interplay of biological and environmental factors. This review explores the epigenetic mechanisms that have been correlated with the effects of trauma across generations, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs. These mechanisms can regulate the expression of stress-related genes […]
The need for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Coalition on Climate and Health: Policy position paper

Lowitja Institute has published a policy position paper, Let’s walk together, work together, we’ll be stronger together: The need for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Coalition on Climate and Health, which outlines our recommendation for the Australian Government to fund the establishment of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Coalition on Climate and Health.
Justice, culture, and relationships: Australian Indigenous prescription for planetary health

Indigenous communities shoulder a disproportionate burden of ill health compounded by climate change. In Australia, the oldest surviving cultures have adapted their ecological knowledge over millennia and across climatic ages. However, European colonization has severely curtailed Indigenous peoples’ ability to adjust to climate change. An effective response to the climate crisis requires decolonizing processes to […]
Caring for Country: Indigenous Wellbeing, Law, and Environmental Justice

Climate change is emerging as a global determinant of mental health and wellbeing impacting existing and escalating socio-economic inequities (Charlson, et al, 2021). There is clear evidence that the mental health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Indigenous peoples in general are being adversely impacted by climate change (HEAL Network & CRE-STRIDE […]
How an Aboriginal approach to mental health is helping farmers deal with drought

Psychological tools developed with Aboriginal people can also support Australian farmers whose land is suffering the effects of climate change.