Indigenous Health and Culture

Running head: INDIGENOUS HEALTH AND CULTURE
INDIGENOUS HEALTH AND CULTURE
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author note:

1INDIGENOUS HEALTH AND CULTURE
Introduction
Individuals residing in the Aboriginal and Indigenous communities of Australia,
comprise of approximately 3% of the population residing in the nation and embody a rich
plethora of cultural, spiritual, religious and healthcare practices (Malaspinas et al., 2016).
Considering their minority status and unique ethnic identity, Australian aboriginal and
indigenous communities possess unique cultural values and social practices which mainstream
society must take into consideration (Valery et al., 2017). The following paper highlights a
reflection on the key factors which have shaped my views and perceptions on Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander people of Australia.
Discussion
Description
I have experienced a number of experiences associated with indigenous communities
which have not only shaped my personal perceptions but also intrigued me to conduct further
research on the unique needs of such communities. One of my regular experiences include my
observation of my mother trying to talk to my neighbor, a lady with indigenous origins, in
simplified English and helping her to educate her children. Another situation which caught my
attention was my indigenous school classmate, who received additional teaching sessions and
funding after a major medical emergency resulting in poor academic performance. Lastly, an
advertisement broadcasting on the Australian tourism which reflected indigenous communities
further influenced my perceptions concerning the same.

2INDIGENOUS HEALTH AND CULTURE
Feelings
At first, I was quite curious when I observed my mother talking to my neighbor in a
unique tone of English which further encouraged me to communicate her for deeper
understanding. However, I felt quite agitated and hurt when I noticed my mother providing extra
educational support to my neighbor’s children since this with something which I never received.
Further, I also felt angry at the additional educational and financial support provided to my
indigenous classmate since this was something which was not provided to me or the rest of my
friends and was hence, unfair. Further, the indigenous reflection in the tourism advertisement
sparked my curiosity to further investigate the issue.
Evaluation
Upon evaluation, feelings of anger and being unfairly treated were what made my
experience quite negative and hurtful. However, as researched by Travers, Morisano & Locke,
(2015), self reflection and mindfulness towards one’s feelings are beneficial ways in which one
can uncover the reasons underlying negative emotions. Further, as researched by Falster et al.,
(2016), social inequities faced by minority groups often require additional interventions. Hence,
upon reflecting, I realized that such individuals belonging to indigenous communities must have
faced some inequity which required extra assistance. Hence, evaluating the same, I was
encouraged to engage in more research to truly understand needs of such communities. Hence,
the encouragement to research was a positive experience in this situation.