Aboriginal people are regarded as the native people of Australia and are the minority community in the country; however, they have been marginalised since the colonial era. While as there is no particular definition of culture, culture could be defined as “the way of life of a group of people or society” (Bond and Brough, 2004). The aboriginal culture has never been understood and since colonialism it has been regards as backward and related to genetic disadvantage. This attitude has led to wide spread racism and discrimination of the native community. This kind attitude has resulted in the government ignoring the public health problems of these community and using them unethically public health research on pretext that they are destined to get extinct (Bond and Brough, 2004).
These minority group are prejudiced and consider inferior because their culture is often perceived risky and unhealthy behaviour. Some people regarded …show more content…
Although most literature ignores culture as a determinant of Aboriginal health, culture can be used to actually reduce health inequality. The exposure to modernity has led to stress and mental health issue among the aboriginals (Morrissey, Pe-pua, and Brown, 2004). Using culture as source of identify can help raise self-esteem, and thus promote health life style among the aboriginals. (Bond and Brough, 2004). Secondly, health promotion should involve holistic assessment of the importance of culture and incorporate those tradition practices that that are protective against disease or that treat illness (Morrissey, Pe-pua, and Brown, 2004). Thirdly, the health workers need to understand the belief system of the indigenous people and not to label culture as unhealthy. Such an approach will close the gap between the modern health and culture the most importantly improve the health of these people (Bond and Brough, 2004: Morrissey, Pe-pua, and Brown,
These minority group are prejudiced and consider inferior because their culture is often perceived risky and unhealthy behaviour. Some people regarded …show more content…
Although most literature ignores culture as a determinant of Aboriginal health, culture can be used to actually reduce health inequality. The exposure to modernity has led to stress and mental health issue among the aboriginals (Morrissey, Pe-pua, and Brown, 2004). Using culture as source of identify can help raise self-esteem, and thus promote health life style among the aboriginals. (Bond and Brough, 2004). Secondly, health promotion should involve holistic assessment of the importance of culture and incorporate those tradition practices that that are protective against disease or that treat illness (Morrissey, Pe-pua, and Brown, 2004). Thirdly, the health workers need to understand the belief system of the indigenous people and not to label culture as unhealthy. Such an approach will close the gap between the modern health and culture the most importantly improve the health of these people (Bond and Brough, 2004: Morrissey, Pe-pua, and Brown,