Introduction to Indigenous Australia

Running head: INTRODUCTION TO INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIA
Introduction to indigenous Australia
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1INTRODUCTION TO INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIA
The Community Nurses of Australia plays a major role n improving indigenous health.
The health status of indigenous peoples is a global concern with mortality and hospitalisation
data indicating that the health of indigenous groups falls below that of other ethnic groups within
their countries. The preliminary findings of grounded theory research project undertaken with a
group of 23 New Zealand Maori women about their health priorities and 'mainstream' health
service needs provide the foundation for an exploration of issues impacting on the health status
of indigenous people. The role that nursing and nurses have in improving access and use of
health services by indigenous people will be discussed. Strategies are suggested that nurses can
utilise within their practice when working with local indigenous groups.
The chief importance as well as value of completing the professional course like SCS130
– Introduction to Indigenous Australia is to enhance the knowledge about the Aboriginal and
Torres people of Australia. Enhanced knowledge in turn, helps the nurses to understand the
psychology of the indigenous service providers. According to McGough, Wynaden and Wright
2018, the inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander content in this national document
cannot be emphasised enough. A student’s access to knowledge and understanding about
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures currently depends on individual
schools, principals and teachers’ enthusiasm and energy. Learning about Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander histories and cultures allows students to develop respect for diversity and
understanding of cultural difference. It provides all students with a rich and well-rounded
knowledge of Australia’s history. Furthermore, it promotes the closing of the gap between
Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians on life expectancy, educational achievement and
employment opportunities (Worrall-Carter et al. 2016). The inclusion of Indigenous content in
classroom teaching has been shown to improve educational outcomes of Indigenous students.