Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander infants during the first 2,000 days

In this episode, cultural consultants Dana Shen and Shirley Young explore practices that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander infants and families’ wellbeing during the first 2,000 days.

Dana and Shirley discuss the cultural considerations that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families in the early years, and consider the barriers and opportunities for non-Indigenous practitioners in providing support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families. They explore social and emotional wellbeing and strengths-based approaches, which recognise the resilience of individuals and communities. These approaches honour the abilities, knowledge and capacities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families through lived and living experience, rather than taking a deficits-based focus on what people do not know or cannot do.

In this episode, you will learn:

• how to work with hope to prioritise the knowledge, skills and strengths of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families  [01:46]
• the importance of listening to form the basis of a strengths-based practice [02:56]
• tips on how to incorporate holistic provision of care into your practice [07:09]
• practices that support culturally reflective practice [17:32]

Further information and resources from Emerging Minds:

Replanting the Birthing Trees: Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and children in the first 2,000 days online course

Decolonising mental health when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families webinar

Working and walking alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people: A practical guide for non-Indigenous workers practice paper

In focus: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander wellbeing