What is Culture Therapy
Culture is central to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identities and is considered a pathway to healing and wellbeing (Lowitja Institute, 2020). Participation in cultural practice such as art, dance, song and Caring for Country, has sustained lore, custom, language and relational connection over time. Cultural practice continues as living culture, expressed by Communities, families and individuals. When used as a treatment to relieve and heal, cultural practice becomes Culture therapy, a health enhancing and health promoting behaviour (Rankmore, 2024).
A range of Culture Therapy resources (booklet, kappa board, zine, chalk decal and marker decals) have been produced in collaboration with First Nations artist Riki Salam and Traditional Custodian body Yugambeh Region Aboriginal Corporation Alliance (YRACA). These resources are being utilised by Gold Coast Health staff and community.
Culture Therapy was officially launched at the Tugun Satellite Hospital Banyahrmabah, – the Art of Healing (August 2024). Participants experienced Culture Therapy workshops, which awaken their senses to:
• SEE vibrant stories and performances
• HEAR captivating songs and soundscapes
• SMELL the rich scents of Country
• TOUCH natures textures
• TASTE the essence of creativity.
Good health and wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples is a holistic concept which extends beyond a biomedical definition of health to include physical, social, emotional, spiritual, and ecological wellbeing, for the individual and the community. (National Aboriginal Health Strategy Working Party, 1989)
Discover the Power of Culture Therapy for workplace, community and family
How can I use Culture Therapy?
- Patient activity: Promote well-being and cultural exploration within patient activities.
- Waiting Rooms: Create culturally enriching waiting room environments.
- Patient Wellness Programs: Use within existing programs to foster holistic health practices.
- Social and emotional wellbeing support: Use as tools to support health and healing.
- Culturally sensitivity situations: Promote cultural awareness and sensitivity within individuals and groups, while building trusting relationships with First Nations Australians.
- Workshops and Seminars: Use as tools to educate and inspire.
- Events and Celebrations: Integrate items into festivities, events and gatherings.
- Training and Education: Use as teaching aids to promote cultural awareness and build cultural appreciation among students.
- Team Building: Foster teamwork and greater cultural understanding.
Order Culture Therapy items
The available culture therapy items aim to facilitate the discovery of First Nations narrative, art and story as a cultural practice which can be enjoyed by First Nations Australians and the broader community.
There are a variety of items available to purchase, check out the Culture Therapy Order form.
The Art of Healing Event
Healing occurs through dance, song, art, sensory experiences, and connection. On Tuesday, August 20, 2024, over 550 people attended the 'Art of Healing' Event at the Healing Garden Tugun Satellite Hospital (Banyahrmabah). The event was a vibe of healing energy and cultural celebration, a truly immersive experience.
The Gold Coast community had the opportunity to engage with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander living culture through Gold Coast Health's newly launched Culture Therapy. The Culture Therapy workshops provided a unique, multi-sensory journey, allowing guests to immerse themselves in experiences that engaged touch, sight, hearing, smell, and taste, enriching their understanding and connection to cultural practices.
The Culture Therapy workshops include:
- Moving Meditation: A Sensory Response to Country
- Didge Healing
- Language in Song workshops
- Scent the Scene
- Weaving Cultural Connections
- Art and Colour Therapy
To find out more information and to book a Culture Therapy workshop, email gchfirstnationshealthequity@health.qld.gov.au.
