In 2014, with the support of a FMNHS Teaching and Learning Research Grant, an inter-professional research team undertook a review Indigenous health curriculum frameworks* to analyse for adoption for teaching in the health disciplines. Discipline representatives from Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Nutrition and Dietetics, Pharmacy, Emergency Community Health and Paramedic Practice, Nursing, School of Rural Health, Radiography and Medicine programs worked collaboratively with Indigenous staff members of the Indigenous Engagement Unit, to review the framework. The...read more
This chapter outlines the growth and development of the Djirruwang Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health Worker Education and Training Program (The Djirruwang Program) in Australia. The chapter describes what can be achieved when individuals, organisations, health disciplines and Aboriginal communities work in close partnership and learn from each other. We emphasise the importance of recognising Aboriginal cultural experiences and knowledge within the mental health curriculum, and providing a culturally safe environment to facilitate...read more
In this paper, we pose the question of terminology and definitions associated with the concept of an indigenized academy or curriculum. Calls to indigenze the academy or curriculum are implicitly asking for an overlay or inclusion of Indigenous content, preferably by Indigenous peoples, as a mechanism to incorporate histories, traditions, and knowledges that are divergent to the dominant perspective(s). However, we question whether this approach is sufficient as there is no requirement on the part...read more
Objective: To undertake a systematic literature review to determine the scope, rationales, and evaluation foci of indigenous health curricula included in university-based professional training of health care service providers. Study design: Systematic review. Data sources: We searched the Australasian Medical Index, ATSIhealth (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Bibliography), CINAHL PLUS, MEDLINE, SCOPUS version 4, and Web of Science databases using relevant keywords. Our initial search identified 1247 articles and our refined search identified 57...read more
This article discusses a successful evidence-based strategy for embedding teaching of cultural competence in relation to Indigenous Australians within undergraduate psychology. A multi-stage project commencing in 2004 led to the development of new courses in psychology, and subsequently to curriculum guidelines to assist other lecturers in developing such courses. The authors describe the model of cultural competence that underpins these courses, arguing that its principles are equally applicable to working in diverse cultural contexts, not...read more
This book fills an important gap in understanding the psychological impact of colonization on Indigenous Australians. Using cultural competence as a theoretical framework, it starts with an exploration of the nature of culture and worldviews which permeates and integrates the book. It provides a convincing explanation of how colonization has affected Indigenous Australians, the role of psychology in this process, and ways forward to redress Indigenous disadvantage. A key emphasis is on ‘doing our own...read more
In recent years, partly in response to the increasingly multicultural composition of many societies around the world and partly in response to an increasing recognition of the centrality of culture in human experience, there has been a lot of effort directed to developing trans-cultural pedagogies giving students the skills and knowledge to work effectively in trans-cultural contexts (Ahmed, 2008; Enns & Forrest, 2005; Gabb & McDermott, 2008; McIntyre, 2000). The Australian Psychology Accreditation Council, which...read more
This paper discusses the development and preliminary analysis of psychology undergraduate courses on cultural competence in relation to Indigenous Australians. The paper summarises the process that led to the formation of draft curriculum guidelines for psychology academics, including the need to critically examine the assumptions and history of Western psychology in relation to Indigenous peoples, the inclusion of non-conventional teaching and learning methods, staff and institutional support, and appropriate staff development. The paper then discusses...read more
Australian universities recognise cultural competency as an essential attribute for graduates. Within this context, The Australian Psychology Accreditation Committee (APAC) has enforced requirements for students within psychology programmes to have access to Indigenous content. Though Indigenous participation rates are low, the inclusion of Indigenous content or what is often labeled 'Indigenous psychology' acts at least as a symbolic gesture and important step forward in reconciling the massively disadvantaged position of Indigenous Australians. However there is...read more
