Aboriginal Healing,
Sharing Culture |
|
“Napranum people have always known where they wanted to go. They have always had great vision and direction. What is different about what is happening now, is someone is willing to walk alongside them to help make their dreams happen. It is a story that needs to be told. It is a story that needs to be repeated in other places, by other people...” Professor Judy Atkinson & Dr Carlie Atkinson
|
Society has the knowledge to facilitate Indigenous healing. This knowledge comes from individuals who have overcome great adversity and undergone a healing process, successful Indigenous healing initiatives, and scientific research demonstrating key principles underlying healing.
Sadly, however, this knowledge is neither disseminated well, nor implemented enough by current systems of care. As a result, society is not helping Indigenous people improve their health and wellbeing to the level it should. This is a human rights issue that needs addressing urgently. We developed Sharing Culture to help Indigenous people heal. Our unique initiative is supported by an international network of 35 Indigenous and non-Indigenous Advisors, most of whom are world leading experts in their field. The present Sharing Culture project involves the development of an easy-to-access, internet-based educational and advocacy resource based on lived experience that will inspire and educate people about community healing. This resource will focus on the remarkable transformation - at an economic, social and spiritual level - that has been occurring in the Cape York Indigenous community of Napranum, a transformation catalysed by Annalise Jennings of Dynamic Exchange. Dreambuilding in Napranum will comprise film, audio, text and animation that highlights:
We will also link to other internet-based content that enhances understanding of community healing. Dreambuilding in Napranum will show what can be achieved when Indigenous people are empowered, connected and given the opportunity for self-determination, key elements underlying healing. Our audience will gain important insights into how Indigenous people overcome great adversity. We will celebrate what Napranum has achieved and ensure that their successes are shared with Indigenous and non-Indigenous people around the world. We are looking to raise funding through different levels of sponsorship to support this exciting project. Sponsors will be seen to be helping Indigenous people in Australia and further afield improve their health and wellbeing. If you are interested in sponsoring this exciting project, please contact David via the Contact Us page of our website. > Read more about this project (pdf) > See related web pages |
“The Elders taught us that to treat the sick trees you must treat the whole forest - you must create a healing forest. If not, the trees will just keep getting sick again… It means that we must actively heal the community and its institutions at the same time an individual works on his or her own healing from alcohol or drugs or other unwell behaviours.” Don Coyhis, Native American Leader & Founder of the Wellbriety Movement
Testimonials
“Napranum people have always known where they wanted to go. They have always had great vision and direction. What is different about what is happening now, is someone is willing to walk alongside them to help make their dreams happen. It is a story that needs to be told. It is a story that needs to be repeated in other places, by other people. A story of people doing things together. It was in Napranum many years ago, a woman said: ‘Sometimes, when we look at the problems, they seem like a large mountain. But we can move that mountain, one rock at a time.’ Napranum and Tjunundi people of old Mapoon can teach us many things.” Professor Judy Atkinson & Dr Carlie Atkinson
“Every now and then something happens that is so indisputable and powerful that its impact and implications cannot be ignored. The transformation of Napranum is one of those somethings. Communicating the Napranum story should be an urgent priority so that many people, at all levels of decision making, can understand its message and become part of the healing solution.” Professor Tim Carey |