Eckermann el al 2010; (pp. 21) introduces the idea of policies as a set of actions or to statements of intention. Australian governments has created and implemented polices concerning the indigenous population. These policies have included European settlement, protectionism, segregation, assimilation, integration, self-determination and finally reconciliation.
Assimilation (1950-1960); the aim of assimilation was to make the aboriginal problem gradually disappear so that aboriginal people would lose their identity in the wider community (Crawford & Tantiprasut 2003, p. 2).Similarly, another intention of assimilation policy was to raise the standard of housing, health and education for aboriginal people by allowing them to move into town and cities. Aboriginal people experienced in finding work and housing due to discrimination (Crawford & Tantiprasut 2003, p. 42).
Segregation (1890-1950) The policies of segregation were brought in under the pretext of protecting the aboriginal population from violence and harassment (Vickers & Issaac 2012). It is also the policy of separating the aboriginal people from the European settlers.Segregation would protect indigenous people from European influence but it was also a means of keeping the aboriginal people from the Europeans (Vickers & Issaac 2012). Reconciliation; Reconciliation is about unity and respect between aboriginal and Torres Strait islander and non-indigenous Australian.
It is about respect for aboriginal and Torres Strait islander heritage and valuing justice and equity for all Australian (Behrendt 2012, p. 380). It is the process of aboriginal Torres Strait islander and non-aboriginal Austrians moving forward into a phase of mutual recognition of healing and justice (Bherendt 2012, p. 80).Ongoing effects of colonisation for indigenous Australian There are many effects of British colonisation on indigenous Australian one of the worst impacts was the loss of land and loss of culture.
The dislocation of most of the people from their land though colonisation has contributed to the effect of newly introduced disease on their health such as, low birth weight, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and ear diseases rheumatic heart disease, renal disease and other infectious diseases (Cunningham & Stanley 2003, PP. 403-404; Taylor & Guerin 2010, PP. 47-48).Impact of history and the past and ongoing effects of colonisation were seen as primary causes of mental distress and contributing to mental ill health among aboriginal peoples (Taylor & Guerin 2010, PP. 47-48). The effect of history continuous today with problems such as: unemployment, poverty, poor education, alcohol, substance use, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, domestic violence and accidents and death in custody and child abuse in indigenous communities across country are the main ongoing effect of colonisation for indigenous Australian (Cunningham & Stanley 2003, PP.
403-404).As a nurse special counselling services and programs were needed to deal with ongoing effect. People who did not recognise the effects of trauma on them should educate about trauma as common disease and they were a traumatised people. Impact of colonisation in indigenous health and wellbeing; there are significant developments and impacts that suggest colonialism remains influential in the health and wellbeing of indigenous people today. Many and major diseases and wellness states of indigenous people today is linked directly or indirectly to the colonial history (Taylor & Guerin 2010, p.
7).However, healthcare professionals in present era need to acknowledge and implement a range of policies and strategies that can have a positive impact on indigenous lives and health status (Taylor & Guerin 2010, pp. 47-50). Models of health: Understanding the tension between traditional healing and western medicine (western biomedical model of health) is still exist in Aboriginal people due to lack of trust, beliefs and practices of people, mutual understanding and resentment in relationship (Kangwa & Catron 2010, pp. 10-13). Biomedical model of health is a dominant model of health.
It discuss about germs that cause disease, but looking at Indigenous people biomedical will not related with what they believe to be the source of illness, their spiritual beliefs and practices as irrational and evil (Kangwa & Catron 2010, pp. 10-13). Therefore as a nurse, for Naomi, incorporating traditional beliefs and practices of Indigenous peoples and western biomedical model of health would be the best choice that would eliminate fear, mistrust and allow for the continuity of healthcare without disrupting Indigenous cultural and spiritual setback thereby validating their identity (Taylor & Guerin 2010, pp. 1-94).According to Australian Medical Association, PHC is defined as ‘Primary health care is socially appropriate, universally accessible, scientifically sound first level care provided by a suitably trained workforce supported by integrated referral systems and in a way that gives priority to those most in need, maximises community and individual self-reliance and participation, and involves collaboration with other sectors. It includes health promotion, illness prevention, care of the sick, advocacy and community development’ (Australian Medical Association, 2010).
Colonisation brings hug impact in Indigenous people such as they lost their land, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs. Along with that sense of family hood and connection between communities were broken down through different policies such as stolen generation and local assimilation. The second principle of PHC, focus on self-reliance. Self-reliance identifies the individual, family and community need to participate in defining the health problem and setting priorities for them, their family and community (Taylor & Guerin 2010, p.
02). Adopting this principle, health professionals can reduce the power of imbalances inherent in the interaction between health professionals and indigenous peoples (Eckermann et al. 2010, p. 178). Therefore, it is the obligation of health care provider to help Indigenous people in making informed choices by acknowledging their ability to organise themselves so that they are able to build their self-reliance (Eckermann et al. 2010, p.
178). Examples of cultural vitality and impact on health and wellbeing.In cultural vitality, family organisation is one of the most enabling and enduring instance that have an impact on health and wellbeing. Due to economic reasons, Aboriginal women are now able to make a conscious choice between loving with permanent partners and raising their families on their own, with the help of supporting parents benefits. Women play a major leadership role which is an example of cultural vitality in order to maintain strong families and adapt to new and challenging environments, while they value and pass on distinctive cultural beliefs, practices and life ways to their children and grandchildren (Eckermann 2010, p.
02).The principle patterns of reciprocity and the patterns of decision making are cornerstones that bring impact on indigenous health and wellbeing. Patterns of reciprocity ; Principles of reciprocity are patterns of sharing based on clear rules and regulations which define individual’s rights, duties and obligations within the structure of their kinship network. In urban/rural aboriginal communities some people argue that kinship network with in family have broken down and that today, in many communities, some young people xploit the old, some men exploit women and children and some of those dependent on substance terrorise their families (Eckermann 2010, p.
104).Patterns of decision making a similar pattern in decision making may influence individuals, family groupings or indeed the whole community. A new pattern of decision making is causing tensions, stress and anxiety in Aboriginal families. Some Aboriginal people argue that children become aware of their rights that they will not listen to adults, will not accept any form of discipline, and will do whatever they like (Eckermann 2010, pp. 05-107).
How might racism, discrimination or whiteness impact on the health and wellbeing of Indigenous people; the belief of racism, discrimination and the concept of whiteness is no more exist in health care context. However, people believe and continue race, discrimination and whiteness thinking that it is a continuous process to differentiate and discriminate against people according to race. The Impact in health and well-being experienced by Indigenous Australians based on the key elements such as racism, discrimination and concept of whiteness.Racism; Racism describe the views and actions of one group of people toward another based on the idea that the two groups are distinguished by race and that the group with racist view believes itself to be superior to the other (Paradies et al. 2008, p. 4).
It can be expressed through beliefs and stereotypes, prejudices and discrimination and occurs at many social levels, including interpersonally and systemically (Berman & Paradies, 2008 cited in Paradies et al. 2008, p. 4).In particular, there is a risk that targets of racism will develop a range of mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. Racism is acknowledged as a determinant of health on indigenous people (Australian Bureau of Statistics 2011).
It is understood that racism have negative impact in health of Indigenous people through many pathways including restriction access to resources required for health, stress and negative emotions having harmful psychological and physiological effects, and injury through racially motivated assault, education, employment (p. ) Discrimination; Discrimination among indigenous people still exists, and continues to face directly or indirectly, even the laws and policies are intended to suppress out discrimination.It is not only an issue of fairness because there is growing evidence that it can have a devasting impact on health of Indigenous people (VicHealth letter, winter 2007, P. 4).
Similarly, vidence suggests that people who suffer discrimination are likely to develop range of adverse health condition such as depression and anxiety, self-destructive behaviour, and angry. Discrimination can also cause problems across generation of Indigenous people due to parents suffer stress anxiety, hypertension and unemployment as the result of discrimination, this may affect their capacity to support their children’s education that contribute to intergenerational cycle of poverty and disadvantage.Indigenous Australians die younger and are more often sick, essentially due to no access to clean running water, healthy nutrition, adequate housing, safe sanitation system and good education program; however, none of these primary needs is beyond the capacity of Australian government to provide (Australian Bureau of Statistics 2011 & Green Left 1998).Whiteness Accordingly, taking the concept of whiteness, Indigenous women are still treated differently by non-Indigenous health care providers based on the perception of ‘Aboriginality’ and skin colour and also white race privilege within health care environment. Therefore, women are mentally depressed because non-Indigenous health care providers do not cater them thinking that the client is a black woman.
Whiteness policy has had lasting impact on rural and remote health through the cultural values and beliefs that formed the national self-identity of Australians.It provides a platform for the stereotype of culture groups that still exist throughout Australia today. Hence, the understanding of Indigenous distinct traditions in relation to spiritual practices, language, family systems and beliefs is necessary for healthcare providers to minimize anxiety, stress and other difficulties related to the social and emotional well-being of indigenous people there by prioritizing wellness, holistic health and culturally informed approaches to healing.
