Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders

This Ways of Working has been developed in collaboration with Gugan Gulwan Youth Aboriginal Corporation and incorporates some of the findings presented by the Institute for Child Protection Studies at the ‘Listening and Responding to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people: Learning’s from the Out of Home Care Forum’.

The following tips and principles provide some first steps to assist you to make your practice and service more culturally appropriate and accessible to diverse needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people:

• It is OK to ask someone if they’re Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. Young Aboriginal people in Canberra often come from all over the country, and will have a variety of beliefs and traditions. Young Torres Strait Islander people can also come from different areas in the Torres Strait Islands.
• Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, like non – Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, are not homogenous (the same).
• Be careful not to make assumptions or stereotype the young person. Different young people will be in touch with their culture in different ways – some may know a lot and some may know a little.
• Young people may choose to access a variety of services and they should be told about the choices that are available to them. Young people are individuals with individual needs. For example, one young person may want to access an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander specific service whereas another may not. People who work with young people need to be understanding and supportive of individual young people’s choices.
• All services should be accessible to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.  It is important not just to refer on. Remember, it is OK to call an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander service for advice.
• Display and promote positive messages. You could put up posters, paintings and get a map of Aboriginal Australia in your service. You could also subscribe and read Deadly Vibe^[1] and the Koori Mail.^[2]
• Many Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander services in the ACT have a huge demand placed on them, so it may take time to build relationships with Indigenous services.
• Young people want to participate in regards to decisions about culture and the way they connect with their community. They want to be given a voice and to be able to talk about concerns. When you ask a young person for their opinion, be sure to follow it up afterwards and communicate it back to them.

It must be understood and respected for the protocol, that an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person cannot generally speak about or on behalf of another person’s country, unless given permission by the custodians or traditional landowner to do so.

[1] Deadlyvibe  can be accessed at http://deadlys.vibe.com.au/vibe.asp?pageID=1871.

[2] Koorimail can be accessed at www.koorimail.com.