10/23/24, 1:32 PM Assessment 1 - Reflection: Current know ledge and
understanding
Since Australia was colonised, Indigenous Australian Peoples have faced extreme prejudice and
racism, negatively impacting their health. Prior to invasion, Indigenous Peoples practised their own
forms of medicine which was passed between generations (Best, 2018). Best explains that contact
with foreign people had a detrimental effect on the health of Indigenous Australians, with whooping
cough and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) being introduced into their communities, and no
methods to treat them. Traditional Indigenous health practices were not recognised by the invaders
(Best, 2018), and this negatively impacted upon their health. According to Nightingale (1863, as
cited in Best, 2018, p. 54) causes of the decline in Aboriginal Peoples' health can be attributed to the
introduction of alcohol, use of Indigenous women as prostitutes, hunger (as a result of being moved
off their land), poor sanitation and cruelty/abuse.
Instilled in me from a young age was the importance of recognising the traumatic historical
narratives of First Nations Peoples. In school I learnt about the subjugation of Indigenous Australian
Peoples, while familial values taught me to acknowledge the importance of diversity in our society.
Family and education have helped challenge any subconscious stereotypes I might have, as a result
of negative societal views. While my knowledge of Indigenous Australian Peoples' cultures is limited,
I have begun my journey towards cultural competency, which is a goal I will continue to work
towards.
As a non-Indigenous Australian, I have had little contact with Indigenous Peoples and their customs
growing up and consequently, I don't know how the invasion impacted upon Indigenous Australians'
view of colonial healthcare. Has it led to distrust in western medicine? How did it impact upon the
traditional Aboriginal Australian Peoples' methods? Did it result in a loss of connection to their
culture? Through my study of IKC100, my aim is to answer these questions for myself, improving my
cultural competency and allowing me to provide the most appropriate and effective care as a future
health professional.
As an Individual, I need to be aware of the history of First Nations Peoples and their traditional
methods of medicine and healthcare. I recognise that their definition of health may be slightly
different to most non-Indigenous Australians (Best, 2018), and may not primarily be centred around
the biomedical model of healthcare. Rather, Indigenous Australian Peoples' definition of health
incorporates community, spirituality and all elements of life (Best, 2018). Upon reflecting on my own
beliefs and values, my aim is to promote equity and equality amongst all Australians.
Professionally, it is vital to consider how the invasion and other acts of prejudice have impacted upon
the health of Indigenous Australians. For example, some Indigenous women may be afraid to visit
hospitals, as a result of the recent memory of generations of children being stolen from their
mothers in hospitals (Best, 2018). Segregated wards and forced sterilisation may also have created
distrust amongst Indigenous Peoples towards western medicine. I should spend time developing
quality therapeutic relationships with Indigenous Australians and consider incorporating traditional
Indigenous medicinal practices within treatment, ultimately improving participation and health
outcomes. I have a goal of providing healthcare free from marginalisation and social exclusion,
therefore I should advise Indigenous Australians about methods of treatment, but ultimately allow
the patient to make a decision that aligns with their culture and traditions.
References
Best, O. (2018). The cultural safety journey: An Aboriginal Australian nursing and midwifery context.
In O. Best & B. Fredericks (Eds.), Yatdjuligin: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nursing and
midwifery care (pp. 46-63). Cambridge University Press.
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understanding
Since Australia was colonised, Indigenous Australian Peoples have faced extreme prejudice and
racism, negatively impacting their health. Prior to invasion, Indigenous Peoples practised their own
forms of medicine which was passed between generations (Best, 2018). Best explains that contact
with foreign people had a detrimental effect on the health of Indigenous Australians, with whooping
cough and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) being introduced into their communities, and no
methods to treat them. Traditional Indigenous health practices were not recognised by the invaders
(Best, 2018), and this negatively impacted upon their health. According to Nightingale (1863, as
cited in Best, 2018, p. 54) causes of the decline in Aboriginal Peoples' health can be attributed to the
introduction of alcohol, use of Indigenous women as prostitutes, hunger (as a result of being moved
off their land), poor sanitation and cruelty/abuse.
Instilled in me from a young age was the importance of recognising the traumatic historical
narratives of First Nations Peoples. In school I learnt about the subjugation of Indigenous Australian
Peoples, while familial values taught me to acknowledge the importance of diversity in our society.
Family and education have helped challenge any subconscious stereotypes I might have, as a result
of negative societal views. While my knowledge of Indigenous Australian Peoples' cultures is limited,
I have begun my journey towards cultural competency, which is a goal I will continue to work
towards.
As a non-Indigenous Australian, I have had little contact with Indigenous Peoples and their customs
growing up and consequently, I don't know how the invasion impacted upon Indigenous Australians'
view of colonial healthcare. Has it led to distrust in western medicine? How did it impact upon the
traditional Aboriginal Australian Peoples' methods? Did it result in a loss of connection to their
culture? Through my study of IKC100, my aim is to answer these questions for myself, improving my
cultural competency and allowing me to provide the most appropriate and effective care as a future
health professional.
As an Individual, I need to be aware of the history of First Nations Peoples and their traditional
methods of medicine and healthcare. I recognise that their definition of health may be slightly
different to most non-Indigenous Australians (Best, 2018), and may not primarily be centred around
the biomedical model of healthcare. Rather, Indigenous Australian Peoples' definition of health
incorporates community, spirituality and all elements of life (Best, 2018). Upon reflecting on my own
beliefs and values, my aim is to promote equity and equality amongst all Australians.
Professionally, it is vital to consider how the invasion and other acts of prejudice have impacted upon
the health of Indigenous Australians. For example, some Indigenous women may be afraid to visit
hospitals, as a result of the recent memory of generations of children being stolen from their
mothers in hospitals (Best, 2018). Segregated wards and forced sterilisation may also have created
distrust amongst Indigenous Peoples towards western medicine. I should spend time developing
quality therapeutic relationships with Indigenous Australians and consider incorporating traditional
Indigenous medicinal practices within treatment, ultimately improving participation and health
outcomes. I have a goal of providing healthcare free from marginalisation and social exclusion,
therefore I should advise Indigenous Australians about methods of treatment, but ultimately allow
the patient to make a decision that aligns with their culture and traditions.
References
Best, O. (2018). The cultural safety journey: An Aboriginal Australian nursing and midwifery context.
In O. Best & B. Fredericks (Eds.), Yatdjuligin: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nursing and
midwifery care (pp. 46-63). Cambridge University Press.
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