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).
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.
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)
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
There are a variety of items available to purchase, check out the Culture Therapy Order form.
The Art of Healing
Healing occurs through dance, song, art, sensory experiences, and connection. At the ‘Art of Healing’ event on Tuesday 20 August, healing workshop will be running so participants can experience and can explore these elements to enhance their wellbeing through:
- Reflective soundscapes with headphone
- Song workshops
- Didge Healing workshop
- Deep listening and response to Country and birds - Aboriginal guided mediation
- Bush tucker tasting
- Weaving workshop
- Culture colouring
A videographer will capture these workshops to showcase their transformative impact.
Find out all the event detail and to register here.
