Aunty Lorraine Peeters, a Stolen Generations survivor, shares her life experience and discusses the need for culturally relevant mental health services. The podcast explores Indigenous-led healing programs addressing intergenerational trauma and the challenges of supporting culturally appropriate healing.
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Quick takeaways
Community-led healing programs that prioritize cultural sensitivity and interconnectedness can effectively address the trauma experienced by Stolen Generations survivors.
Collaborative approaches between Indigenous and Western knowledge systems are essential for culturally appropriate mental health care and healing.
Deep dives
Healing from Trauma for Stolen Generations: Auntie Lorraine's Journey
Auntie Lorraine Peters, a survivor of the stolen generations, shares her ongoing healing process and her efforts to address the intergenerational trauma experienced by Indigenous communities. She discusses the traumatic events of being taken from her family as a child, the subsequent assimilation into white society, and the lack of culturally relevant mental health services. Auntie Lorraine developed the Maramali program, which aims to provide healing workshops and support for Aboriginal people affected by the stolen generations. The program emphasizes self-healing, group processes, and reconnecting with Aboriginal culture. The cultural sensitivity and community-led approach are highlighted as essential for effective healing programs.
Challenges in Indigenous Mental Health Care and Cultural Relevance
Indigenous psychologist, Kelly Ryan, emphasizes the need for culturally sensitive mental health care for Indigenous communities. Mainstream mental health services often focus on symptoms rather than the underlying causes of trauma and often lack understanding of Indigenous grief processes and spiritual dimensions. The Western mental health care system is criticized for disempowering Indigenous individuals and communities. Ryan suggests a collaborative approach that combines Indigenous and Western knowledge systems and acknowledges the worth of traditional healing practices. Funding organizations are urged to prioritize community-led programs and evaluation methods that measure influence and long-term impact.
Importance of Cultural Empowerment and Long-Term Support
The success of healing programs for Indigenous trauma relies on addressing local community issues, empowering the community, and recognizing the impact of colonization and intergenerational trauma. Auntie Lorraine's Maramali program serves as an example of a community-developed program that combines traditional healing practices with reflection, discussion, and a seven-stage journey of self-healing. The program also emphasizes the importance of cultural connectedness and the spiritual dimensions of healing. Challenges in healing programs include the lack of cultural sensitivity in mainstream services, short-term funding, and the need for appropriate evaluation methods. The goal is to support individuals, families, and communities in breaking the cycle of trauma and fostering resilience.
In Australia there are an estimated 17,000 Stolen Generations survivors, and a lack of culturally relevant mental health services is a major barrier to healing for many of them. Now programs led by Indigenous communities themselves are helping people to confront and move past their trauma. We talk with Stolen Generations survivor Aunty Lorraine Peeters, whose life experience led to a pioneering healing program, and became part of a groundswell of Indigenous-led solutions to address trauma. And Indigenous psychologist Kelleigh Ryan describes the challenges to supporting culturally appropriate healing.
Presented as part of Reconciliation Week 2020, and the ABC's Walking Together initiative.
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