"Around the word, indigeneous peoples have experienced colonisation, cultural oppression, forced assimilation, and absorption into a global economy with little regard for their autonomy or wellbeing. These profund transformations have been linked to high rates of depression, alcoholism, violence and suicide in many communities, with the most dramatic effect on youth" (Kimayer, Tait and Simpsin, 2009. p.3).
In this module you will start to understand the historical contexts and consequences for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families as a result of colonisation, government policies and practices, such as the forced removal of children, discrimination, and the loss of cultural identity and language, which has lead to lasting negative effects on our Aboriginal and Torres children, families and communities. The negative effects have been passed down from one generation to the next resulting in intergenerational trauma. Despite the many hardships and trauma bestowed upon Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people their is still a strong sense of connection to land, culture, spiritiuality, ancestry, family and community.
Research tells us that children that have been exposed to a number of risk factors with limited protective factors will be disadvantaged in term of their development and wellbeing. Childhood trauma will alter a child's brain development and thier exposure to chronic stress leads to hyper-arousal, which in turn results in poor concentration, lack of the ability to develop empathy, self-regulation, and lack the ability to form trusting relationships. Without strategies and skills to cope many children will do poorly in school, struggle with pain-based behaviours including: withdrawal, aggression, substance misuse, criminality, suicide, sexual promiscuity and inactive lifestyles (Atkinson, Nelson & Atkinson 2010).
The government policies that have lead to discrmination and traumatisation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have resulted in disconnection in all of its forms. Parents of the 'stolen generation' were deprived of their families to guide and and pass on parenting skills, cultural tools and language. As a result we see an over representation of indigeneous children in the child protection system and many families and communites experiencing significant social and economic disadvantage.
Clearly the strategies and approaches taken to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and communities has not worked, therefore it is essential that new approaches be considered. Trauma research tells us that in order to recover from trauma healing is essential (Healing Foundation). Therapeutic intervention with a focus on restoring, reafirming and renewing a sense of pride in cultual identity, connection to country and self-determination are all part of the healing process. According to (van der Kolk, 2007, cited in Healing Foundation, p.4) "there is increasing evidence that trauma-informed approaches, that draw from ancient wisdom of Indigeneous cultures, are the most successful in facilitating healing and recovery".
