The Potential of Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy for Treating Trauma in Australian Aboriginal Peoples

2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (4) ◽  
pp. 1041-1058
Author(s):  
Bindi Bennett ◽  
Elise Woodman
Keyword(s):  
Culturally Responsive ◽  
Aboriginal People ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Aboriginal Peoples ◽  
Experiential Therapy ◽  
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy ◽  
Evidence Based Treatment ◽  
Australian Aboriginal ◽  
Equine Assisted ◽  
Health And Well Being

AbstractColonisation and subsequent policies targeting Aboriginal peoples in Australia have had devastating consequences, including trauma, disadvantage and marginalisation. These effects have passed from generation to generation and continue to manifest in poor health and well-being outcomes, particularly mental health disorders. Innovative and culturally relevant techniques are needed to remedy inequality and address intergenerational trauma. Equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP)—an experiential therapy involving horses—is a new and increasingly evidence-based treatment approach, which offers potential for working with Aboriginal peoples. This article reviews the literature on outcomes of EAP to consider its potential as a culturally responsive therapy to treat trauma and increase well-being for Aboriginal people in Australia.

Political Participation of Aboriginal People (Orang Asli) in Peninsular Malaysia: Examining the Compatibility of the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954 with Undrip Standards

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-21
Author(s):  
Muhamad Sayuti Hassan ◽  
Rohaida Nordin
Keyword(s):  
Political Participation ◽  
International Law ◽  
Aboriginal People ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Peninsular Malaysia ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Aboriginal Peoples ◽  
Orang Asli ◽  
The Right

The main objective of this article is to critically evaluate the compatibility of the ‘right to political participation’ of the Orang Asli by looking at international law standards. The present study utilises a qualitative socio-legal approach, which analyses the political participation of the Orang Asli under Malaysian law and determines whether the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954 (apa) can provide for the protection, well-being, and the advancement of the Orang Asli. Arguably, the existing provisions of the apa are not in conformity with the recognition in undrip and in no way guarantee the Orang Asli’s right to self-determination as recognised by international law. Thus, the current study recommends an amendment to the apa and introduces guidelines to empower political participation of the Orang Asli by incorporating the principles of undrip. The amendment is necessary to ensure that the protection of the right to self-determination of the Orang Asli is compatible with international law standards.

scholarly journals Resetting the Narrative in Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nutrition Research

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Annabelle Wilson ◽  
Roland Wilson ◽  
Robyn Delbridge ◽  
Emma Tonkin ◽  
Claire Palermo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Land Tenure ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Torres Strait Islander ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Government Policies ◽  
Aboriginal Peoples ◽  
Australian Aboriginal ◽  
Nutrition Research ◽  
Torres Strait

ABSTRACT As the oldest continuous living civilizations in the world, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have strength, tenacity, and resilience. Initial colonization of the landscape included violent dispossession and removal of people from Country to expand European land tenure and production systems, loss of knowledge holders through frontier violence, and formal government policies of segregation and assimilation designed to destroy ontological relationships with Country and kin. The ongoing manifestations of colonialism continue to affect food systems and food knowledges of Aboriginal peoples, and have led to severe health inequities and disproportionate rates of nutrition-related health conditions. There is an urgent need to collaborate with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to address nutrition and its underlying determinants in a way that integrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ understandings of food and food systems, health, healing, and well-being. We use the existing literature to discuss current ways that Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are portrayed in the literature in relation to nutrition, identify knowledge gaps that require further research, and propose a new way forward.

Contribution of Aboriginal Community-Controlled Health Services to improving Aboriginal health: an evidence review

2018 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan Ann Campbell ◽  
Jennifer Hunt ◽  
David J. Scrimgeour ◽  
Maureen Davey ◽  
Victoria Jones
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Primary Health Care ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Aboriginal People ◽  
Aboriginal Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Aboriginal Peoples ◽  
Aboriginal Community ◽  
Primary Health

Objective Aboriginal Community-Controlled Health Services (ACCHSs) deliver comprehensive, culturally appropriate primary health care to Aboriginal people and communities. The published literature acknowledging and supporting the roles of ACCHSs in improving Aboriginal health is limited. This paper seeks to collate and analyse the published evidence supporting the contribution of ACCHSs to improving the health of Aboriginal people. Methods A conceptual framework for exploring the contribution of ACCHSs was developed, drawing on the literature on the core functions of ACCHSs and the components of quality primary health care. This framework was used to structure the search strategy, inclusion criteria and analysis of the review. Results ACCHSs contribute to improving the health and well being of Aboriginal peoples through several pathways, including community controlled governance, providing employment and training, strengthening the broader health system and providing accessible, comprehensive primary health care. Conclusions ACCHSs make a range of important contributions to improving the health of Aboriginal peoples that are under-acknowledged. Consideration of the different ways ACCHSs contribute to improving Aboriginal health is of value in the design and evaluation of programs and policies that aim to improve the health of Aboriginal peoples. What is known about the topic? Aboriginal communities have long argued the vital role of ACCHSs in improving Aboriginal health. What does this paper add? This paper provides a comprehensive collation and analysis of the evidence supporting the contributions ACCHSs are making to improving Aboriginal health. What are the implications for practitioners? The conceptual framework and findings outlined in this paper illustrate that ACCHSs are making important contributions to improving Aboriginal health through several pathways. This information can be used to ensure actions to improve Aboriginal health are appropriate and effective. There are important gaps in the literature that researchers need to address.

scholarly journals Young People’s Participation in Envisioning Community Change:

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 116-149
Author(s):  
Caitlin Noelle Wood
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Culturally Responsive ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Change ◽  
Social Structures ◽  
Theoretical Frameworks ◽  
Indigenous Youth ◽  
Research Framework ◽  
Sociology Of Childhood ◽  
Health And Well Being

Abstract It is vitally important that Indigenous youth are provided a forum to express and share their expertise and knowledge on all matters that affect and impact their lives.  Through the use of photo-voice, this qualitative study provided the space for eleven youth from (location withheld for review) to share their perspectives on their community and environment, their lives, and how they conceptualize childhood. Employing the theoretical frameworks of the Sociology of Childhood, children’s rights, desire-centred research framework, and an Indigenous culturally responsive method, four over-arching themes emerged – the importance of: i) relationships; ii) health and well-being; iii) knowledge; and iv) community and culture. The youth in this study demonstrated their capacity to identify and share their unique perspectives on their community and proficiencies in assessing their community’s strengths and challenges – further demonstrating that youth are not merely passive subjects of social structures, but competent citizens able to contribute to change in authentic ways.  

Warlpiri Dreaming Spaces: 1983 and 1985 Seminars with Félix Guattari

2019 ◽  
pp. 81-113
Author(s):  
Barbara Glowczewski
Keyword(s):  
Aboriginal People ◽  
Aboriginal Peoples ◽  
Felix Guattari ◽  
A Posteriori ◽  
Dream Work ◽  
Australian Aboriginal ◽  
The Law ◽  
The Relationship

This chapter unfolds a dialog between Guattari and Glowczewski about Australian collective dream-work, totemism and rituals of resistance during collective discussions, including Eric Alliez, Jean-Claude Pollack and Anne Querrien. ‘Félix Guattari — Barbara is an anthropologist specialising in Australian Aboriginal peoples who has written a fascinating piece of work about the dreaming process. I’d like her to tell us a bit about the collective technology of dreams among the Australian Aboriginal people she has studied. In this context, not only do dreams not depend on individual keys, but they are also part of an a posteriori elaboration of the dream that anthropologists have characterised as mythical. But Barbara comes close to refuting that definition. And dreaming is identified with the law, and with the possibility of mapping the itineraries of these people, who circulate all the time since they cover hundreds of kilometers. Barbara, I would like to ask you to try to tell us how the dreaming method functions. My first question is to ask you to explain the relationship between dream, territory, and itinerary.’

Indigenous health systems governance

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 222-228 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey Reading ◽  
Charlotte Loppie ◽  
John O’Neil
Keyword(s):  
Indigenous Peoples ◽  
Access To Health Care ◽  
Professional Training ◽  
Indigenous Health ◽  
Population Group ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Aboriginal Peoples ◽  
Royal Commission ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Health And Well Being

Purpose Almost 20 years after the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, indigenous peoples living in Canada continue to pursue their legitimate aspirations for greater control over factors affecting their lives. The purpose of this paper is to summarize two major policies (the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)) that aimed to create equity for indigenous peoples’. Design/methodology/approach Commentary and rapid communication to inform and clarify evolving high-priority policy and governance issues related to indigenous peoples’ of Canada. Findings A need exists to create a platform for implementing the TRC actions to protect and promote education, language and culture, justice, youth programming, and professional training and development. Research limitations/implications Innovative intervention research needs to develop solutions to multi-generational disparities in health and well-being for indigenous peoples of Canada and globally. Practical implications Failure to implement longstanding changes to improve indigenous health and well-being will result if a growing burden of premature morbidity and mortality among indigenous population of Peoples’ of Canada, the fastest growing population group with the most challenging health status in Canada. Social implications Indigenous peoples continue to experience profound health vulnerability leading to high health risks, growing health disparities and unequal access to health care services. Originality/value Connecting policy over two decades, for implementation to proceed, sharing of knowledge is essential to formulate innovative approaches, to engage research and build capacity to implement policy actions related to closing educational gaps, to developing culturally appropriate curricula acknowledging and protecting Aboriginal languages, as well as skills-based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution and respect for human dignity and human rights equality in settings of anti-racism and free of all forms of prejudice and discrimination.

scholarly journals Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy: An Emerging Trauma-Informed Intervention

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 387-402 ◽  
Author(s):  
Page Walker Buck ◽  
Nadine Bean ◽  
Kristen De Marco
Keyword(s):  
The United States ◽  
Traumatic Experiences ◽  
Experiential Therapy ◽  
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Ongoing Training ◽  
Robust Model ◽  
Adolescents And Adults ◽  
Increasing Demand ◽  
Equine Assisted

Equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) has emerged as a promising, evidence-based intervention for the treatment of trauma and stressor-related disorders. This experiential therapy offers an option for clients whose traumatic experiences render traditional talk therapies ineffective. Initial research on the most robust model of EAP, developed by the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA), indicates strong, positive effects for children, adolescents and adults who have experienced trauma. EAGALA was designed to allow for rigorous evaluation of efficacy, a clear theoretical base, standardized implementation, and ongoing training for practitioners. As the primary providers of mental and behavioral health services in the United States, social workers are keenly aware of the need for a portfolio of treatment methods to manage the increasing demand for services. EAP has emerged as an important addition to this portfolio, providing options for some the most vulnerable client populations.

scholarly journals Youth’s Perceptions Of Childhood: Young People’s Participation In Envisioning Community Change

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caitlin Wood
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Culturally Responsive ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Change ◽  
Social Structures ◽  
Theoretical Frameworks ◽  
Indigenous Youth ◽  
Research Framework ◽  
Profound Knowledge ◽  
Health And Well Being

It is vitally important that Indigenous Youth are provided a forum to express and share their unique expertise and profound knowledge on all matters that affect and impact their lives. Through the use of photo-voice, this qualitative study provided the space for eleven youth from the Northern Village of La Loche, Saskatchewan to share their perspectives on their community, their lives, and how childhood should be conceptualized. Employing the theoretical frameworks of Sociology of Childhood, children’s rights, Indigenous culturally responsive method and a desire-centred research framework, four over-arching themes emerged; the importance of: i) relationships; ii) health and well-being; iii) knowledge; and iv) community and culture. The youth in this study demonstrated their enormous capacity to identify and share their unique perspectives on their community and proficiencies in assessing their community’s strengths and challenges – further demonstrating that youth are not merely passive subjects of social structures, but competent citizens able to contribute to change in authentic ways.

scholarly journals ‘Next Generation Youth Well-being Study:’ understanding the health and social well-being trajectories of Australian Aboriginal adolescents aged 10–24 years: study protocol

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. e028734 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lina Gubhaju ◽  
Emily Banks ◽  
James Ward ◽  
Catherine D’Este ◽  
Rebecca Ivers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Longitudinal Data ◽  
Child Protection ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Next Generation ◽  
Australian Aboriginal ◽  
Comprehensive Survey ◽  
Multiple Challenges ◽  
Health And Well Being

IntroductionAustralian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander (hereafter referred to as ‘Aboriginal’) adolescents (10–24 years) experience multiple challenges to their health and well-being. However, limited evidence is available on factors influencing their health trajectories. Given the needs of this group, the young age profile of the Aboriginal population and the long-term implications of issues during adolescence, reliable longitudinal data are needed.Methods and analysisThe ‘Next Generation: Youth Well-being Study’ is a mixed-methods cohort study aiming to recruit 2250 Aboriginal adolescents aged 10–24 years from rural, remote and urban communities in Central Australia, Western Australia and New South Wales. The study assesses overall health and well-being and consists of two phases. During phase 1, we qualitatively explored the meaning of health and well-being for adolescents and accessibility of health services. During phase 2, participants are being recruited into a longitudinal cohort. Recruitment is occurring mainly through community networks and connections. At baseline, participants complete a comprehensive survey and undertake an extensive age relevant clinical assessment. Survey and clinical data will be linked to various databases including those relating to health services; medication; immunisation; hospitalisations and emergency department presentations; death registrations; education; child protection and corrective services. Participants will receive follow-up surveys approximately 2 years after their baseline visit. The ‘Next Generation’ study will fill important evidence gaps by providing longitudinal data on the health and social well-being of Aboriginal adolescents supplemented with narratives from participants to provide context.Ethics and disseminationEthics approvals have been sought and granted. Along with peer-reviewed publications and policy briefs, research findings will be disseminated via reports, booklets and other formats that will be most useful and informative to the participants and community organisations.

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