Welcome to The Healing Foundation's August NewsletterIntroductionOn 15 August the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare released Australia’s first demographic needs analysis and policy impact study of Stolen Generations and their descendants. This important piece of work, commissioned by The Healing Foundation, is part of our ‘Action Plan for Healing’ project to better support Stolen Generations members and their descendants. The report shows both Stolen Generations members and their families experience a disturbing - but unsurprising - level of disadvantage compared to other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It also details that 32% of Stolen Generations members report problems accessing services, which is particularly concerning, given all Stolen Generations members will be eligible for aged care in just five years. This new data will help back up our urgent calls for additional services to meet the complex needs of Stolen Generations members, including appropriate aged care, a national reparations scheme and a comprehensive strategy to tackle the Intergenerational Trauma affecting our families and communities. Read on to find out more about the report’s findings. Also in this month’s newsletter: a recap of our youth healing webinar where a panel of young leaders and experts discussed the lived experience of Intergenerational Trauma and the future of healing for our young people. Plus the latest on the international First Nations gathering we are co-hosting in November, Healing Our Spirit Worldwide, including speaker announcements and how you can get involved. Regards, Report reveals extent of Stolen Generations disadvantageFor the first time, a new report has documented the number of Stolen Generations members in Australia, their locations and ages, and the key issues affecting them and their descendants. The report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare was commissioned by The Healing Foundation as the first step in our Action Plan for Healing project. The findings will inform recommendations to the Federal Government on the best ways to support ageing Stolen Generations members and address Intergenerational Trauma. “Until now, we didn’t know how many Stolen Generations members were still alive or the full impact of ongoing trauma in people’s lives, which made it difficult to determine national needs and plan services to address them,” The Healing Foundation's Board Chair Professor Steve Larkin said. “This report also provides comprehensive data on the intergenerational impact of the Stolen Generations policies, showing descendants experience poorer health and social outcomes than other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.” Stolen Generations member Tony Hansen said the report proved “our children and grandchildren are impacted by the cycle of disadvantage caused by us being stolen.” “It’s too late to change the future of Stolen Generations members who have passed away but with this report we can help change the future for those who are getting older and need better supports,” Stolen Generations member Maisie Austin said. Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion welcomed the report’s findings, saying they will “help all governments to better support the Stolen Generations and their families.” Key findings include:
To read the report or find out more, click here. To read our article about this in IndigenousX, click here. Youth healing webinar“We carry trauma in our DNA but never forget we carry brilliance in us too... Our ancestors were determined, fierce, intelligent and wise beyond measure. They were the epitome of love, survival, fight and perseverance. And we are too.” - Karlie Stewart, young leader Last month The Healing Foundation brought together a panel of young leaders and experts to discuss the lived-experience of Intergenerational Trauma and the future of healing for our young people. The “Our Healing, Our Future: Shaping Strategies with Our Young People” webinar was streamed live from Brisbane to a national audience. Speakers included Indigenous psychiatrist and trauma expert Professor Helen Milroy, young leaders Karlie Stewart and Tonii Skeen, and respected community mentor and GP Joel Wenitong, who has helped many young people to heal through music therapy workshops. Another young leader, Elijah Douglas from the remote community of Doomadgee in north-west Queensland, MC’d the event. 22 year old Karlie Stewart decided to become a social worker after experiencing first hand the impact that the right programs and staff can have on young people. "I am sharing my story as someone who suffered intergenerational trauma but also encountered an amazing program that helped in my process of healing,” Karlie told the crowd. “At the Kool Kids Club I always felt valued as an individual with my own story and personality, experiences and strengths. Now I do my best to help the young people I work with feel as valued as I did many years ago. "Every day I see the cycle of trauma being broken for particular clients." According to Professor Milroy, “a positive, enduring relationship with someone who believes in you” is what really makes a difference to young people who’ve experienced trauma. 22 year old Yawuru Jabbir Jabbir, Bardi, Bunuba, Nyikina and Jaru descendant Tonii Skeen urged each audience member to ask themselves what they are doing in their positions to ensure young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are the future. Following the webinar, group consultations were held with young people in Brisbane, Darwin, Sydney and Canberra on the development of a National Youth Healing Framework. The Healing Foundation also launched a number of Intergenerational Trauma resources at the webinar: an animation explaining where Intergenerational Trauma comes from and how it impacts young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders; a timeline of healing and trauma in Australia; and a fact sheet on working with young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their families. Click here to find out more or download the Intergenerational Trauma resources, or contact us at community@healingfoundation.org.au if you would like to request hard copies of the timeline or fact sheet. To watch a recording of the webinar, click here. Healing Our Spirit Worldwide international gatheringFirst Nations peoples from around the world will come together in November on the lands of the Cadigal people for the eighth gathering of Healing Our Spirit Worldwide. The gathering is an exciting opportunity to talk about healing in Indigenous communities; share knowledge, wisdom, learning and experiences; and address the devastating impact of Intergenerational Trauma on our young people and their future. Register now at www.hosw.com. If you would like to apply for a marketplace booth, exhibition booth or NGO/community stall please visit the gathering place page here. School excursion idea - free admission: Would your school like to experience the world’s Indigenous cultures this November? School kids and the general public will love the diversity of the vibrant Healing Our Spirit Worldwide Gathering Place which will be open to the general public throughout the gathering. Click here to find out more. National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s DayOn 4 August we celebrated National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day. Did you know this day began as a way to celebrate the birthdays of Stolen Generations members who didn't know their own birthdays, as well as celebrate all children? This year’s theme was "SNAICC – Celebrating Our Children for 30 Years”. To learn more, visit: http://aboriginalchildrensday.com.au/ |