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In the spirit of reconciliation, Better Rehab acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and extend our respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
This year’s theme – Heal Country! – is a call for reconciliation and an invitation to embrace First Nations’ cultural knowledge and understanding of Country as more than a place but one that is inherent in identity.
Cultural Awareness Seminar with Troy Dargan of KARI
As part of our celebrations, we invited Troy Dargan, the Cultural Unit Manager for KARI, to speak to us in a special in-service session! KARI is an Aboriginal charity that has been in operation since 1999, celebrating Aboriginal culture and excellence through education and community strengthening programs.
Troy discussed a range of topics, including working with Aboriginal participants, intergenerational trauma and consulting with Aboriginal participants and support coordinators. He highlighted how culture comes first and foremost for Aboriginal peoples.
“When I get up in the morning, I am Aboriginal before I am ‘Troy’,” he shared. “That’s how important culture is.”
He urged clinicians to consult with Aboriginal workers and liaison officers, who can help connect non-Aboriginal clinicians with Aboriginal participants. Another important consideration for clinicians to think about is whether the participant is living on country or with their Aboriginal community group. Land is of great significance to Aboriginal peoples as it represents not just connection to a place but connection to their ancestors and culture as well. “If the client is living on country, they will have family around them and have support. If not, the participant may feel unsupported, isolated and lost.” This can help explain certain behaviours such as being unable to return paperwork on time or return calls, and pave the way to a deeper and more meaningful conversation.
Understanding the participants’ culture and background can also help in forging a relationship. “There might be a worker or liaison officer from that background who can help you communicate with your participant,” Troy said.
Troy shared that the important things to remember are to ask questions and never assume, and to apologise for any mistakes.
Morning Tea with Dreamtime Tuka Slices
We’ve also ordered delicious slices from Dreamtime Tuka, which is a 100% Indigenous owned business! Better Rehabbers enjoyed them with their morning tea.
We encourage everyone to take the time to learn more about this year’s theme and the significance of NAIDOC Week. We hope you can take part in NAIDOC Week celebrations, wherever you live. Visit www.naidoc.org.au for more info!
