COURSE: Aboriginal Health

Course outline: In this five-day course, students are given an overview of Aboriginal lifestyle, focussing on traditional and environmental responsibilities and the social practices of indigenous communities during pre- and post- colonial times.

The post-colonial section of the unit examines more than 200 years of policies, programs and prejudice through videos, personal perspectives, group discussions and relevant speakers. These are described within the frameworks of inequality and marginalised groups.

The section on contemporary Aboriginal health covers specific health concerns today, using mental health as an example of special health services, including the impact of dispossession, separation, substance abuse, and fragmentation of families.

Comparing and contrasting the health of other Indigenous international peoples gives students an understanding of the demands upon these groups to choose either to adapt to a western lifestyle or to suffer the consequences of ill health and dispossession.

Using the personal perspective, the unit aims to expose students to Aboriginal ways of communication and cultural protocols. Students are given the opportunity to discuss aspects of traditional lifestyle, environmental influences, relationships, family structure, lore, roles and responsibilities with lecturers, guest speakers and peers.

This is a 5-day 9am-5pm intensive 6 point unit, including a 1-day field trip. Please visit our website for further information including enrolment details.