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Seeking knowledge and being curious

Emerging Minds, Australia, 2019

Related to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional wellbeing

Resource Summary

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be aware that this resource may contain names of people who have passed away.

This resource is part of Emerging Minds’ Working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and children toolkit. Drawing on the expertise of First Nations consultants, practitioners and families, the toolkit explores ways non-Indigenous professionals and services can develop genuine partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.

The power of questions is so important. Aboriginal people are creative and resourceful and generous in working with non-Aboriginal people who are willing to listen and learn.

- Social Service Practitioner

Whilst many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are willing to share knowledge about their culture and history, it is important for you to take responsibility for your own learning if you want to build a genuine understanding of First Nations cultures.

It is also important to understand that some history can be highly traumatising for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to recount and that there is knowledge that cannot be shared by individuals for various cultural reasons. Be mindful of developing your learning carefully and respectfully. This will not be easy, but if you are respectful and allow yourself to be guided by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people the mistakes that you will inevitably make will be lessons you can learn from; opportunities to change your practice and build stronger connections with community.

There is a vast library of public information available on the internet, through social media, television and from local Community knowledge. You could speak to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community members and Elders or visit your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Services, local council or library. There are numerous local, statewide and national events you could attend and support. You may also want to consider speaking to an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander colleague, or formally engaging an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mentor.

There are many different Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and individuals, all with very different opinions and perspectives. It is important to take the time to listen to as many of these perspectives as you can, and to understand and connect with the lived experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, families and individuals.

This may be different from what you learnt at school or university. It may be different from what you have heard or read or been told by others. Notice these differences; they are valuable and highlight the richness and diversity in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Look and listen:

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities want positive change and are willing to guide people if they ask. How can you ensure you are listening and being respectful? Could you develop ways to check back in to ensure you are listening and behaving respectfully?
  • Consider your interactions. What would support you to fully understand the experience of a different cultural group?
  • What are the different voices and perspectives you are seeing and hearing in your daily life? What do they show you about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, cultures and communities? What are you beginning to understand about the various communities across Australia?

Learn and reflect:

  • Think about how your identity was developed and shaped. What were some of the major influences? How does this support your learning and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identity? What are some of the learnings that have helped you to develop this understanding?
  • As you are learning, how is your thinking developing in regard to Australian identity? How is your learning developing around your own identity?

Practice:

  • Given your learning, what does that mean for your practice with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people?
  • What would change in your practice?
  • Reflect on what you see and hear at meetings. Are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices heard? What steps could you take to ensure this happens in your organisation?

Further information and resources

SNAICC is the national voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children.

Indigenous Health Infonet offers comprehensive information about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing.

The Healing Foundation provides information on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healing and trauma.

The preferred terminology used by Emerging Minds in our resources is Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, as guided by our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social and Emotional Wellbeing National Consultancy Group.

Discover more resources

This resource is part of the following toolkits

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