Yama, my name’s Rebecca Hardy I’m a proud Wanaruah Women from Hunter Valley NSW. 

We’re here today at the beautiful Dixon Park, Mereweather, where we’re doing a cultural awareness training for our people. 

And the purpose of this is to keep Mums and Dads in their children’s life, and to keep them alive.

So I take great pride in working with PBB for such a valuable cause for suicide prevention supporting DiDs - Dads in Distress; and MiDs - Mums in Distress; and now, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. 

1. Understanding Aboriginal Cultures and Histories

Anikayna. Welcome to the Parents Beyond Breakup cultural awareness training video on Understanding Aboriginal Cultures and Families”

 There are over 250 distinct Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in Australia, each with their own unique languages, customs, and histories. 

Understanding this diversity is essential for building respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

I would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we gather today, the Awabakal people. I pay my deepest respects to their Elders past and present and recognise their enduring connection to this land, its waters, and its stories.

As a proud Wanaruah woman, I also honour my own Ancestors and the strength of our people, who have cared for Country since time immemorial. I acknowledge the resilience, wisdom, and deep cultural knowledge of all First Nations people and commit to walking with respect on this land. Always was, always will be Aboriginal land.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Lands on which we work and live, and recognise their continuing connection to land, water and Community. We also pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

It's important to respect and acknowledge the cultures and histories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This means recognising the impact of colonisation and the ongoing effects of historical trauma on families in our country.

By listening to and learning from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, we can gain a deeper understanding of their cultures and histories. This is an important step towards building stronger relationships.

When we engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, it's important to understand and follow cultural protocols. This includes seeking permission to share stories, respecting cultural boundaries, and being mindful of power dynamics.

2. Historical Trauma and Its Effects

The Stolen Generations, Aboriginal children who were forcibly removed from their families and communities, has had a profound impact on Aboriginal families and communities. This traumatic chapter in our history has left a lasting legacy of pain, grief, and intergenerational trauma.

The forced removals of Aboriginal children were a result of government policies aimed at assimilating Aboriginal people into white Australian culture. This traumatic event has had long-term effects on Aboriginal families and communities, including:

• Loss of cultural identity and connection to land

• Intergenerational trauma and mental health issues

• Social and economic disadvantage

• Broken family relationships and disrupted family structures”

The historical trauma is still felt today. 

Ongoing issues include:

• High rates of incarceration and substance abuse

• Poor health outcomes and low life expectancy

• Disadvantage in education and employment

• Mental health issues and intergenerational trauma

However, despite the ongoing impact of historical trauma, Aboriginal families and communities are working together to heal and rebuild. 

This includes:

• Cultural revitalisation and language programs

• Community-based initiatives and support services

• Reconciliation and healing programs

3. Navigating Child Protection and Family Separation in Aboriginal Communities

In our country, child protection systems often interact with Aboriginal families in complex and sensitive ways. It's essential to understand the intricate relationships between these systems and Aboriginal culture.

Cultural protocols and practices play a vital role in Family separation and Reunification. For example, in some Aboriginal cultures, a child's connection to their family and community is seen as a vital aspect of their identity and well-being.

However, when Aboriginal families are involved with child protection systems, there's a risk of cultural disconnection. This can lead to feelings of isolation, disorientation, and trauma throughout the family.

Culturally safe practice is crucial in these situations. This means respecting the family's cultural values, protocols, and practices, and involving Aboriginal cultural leaders and Elders roles in decision-making processes.

By respecting Elders and cultural leaders, we can build trust, promote healing, and support the family's cultural connection.

When we navigate child protection and family separation in Aboriginal communities, we must prioritise culturally safe practice and respect for Elders and cultural leaders.

4. Supporting and Empowering Aboriginal Parents

At Parent Beyond Breakup we are a peer support service, and we often work with Aboriginal parents who face complex challenges in their lives. It's essential to provide support that takes into account their cultural context, values, and practices.

Creating a safe and supportive environment is crucial for Aboriginal parents to share their experiences and feelings. This means understanding and addressing cultural differences that may impact their interactions with us. Taking the time to seek permission to share stories, respecting cultural boundaries, and being mindful of power dynamics, can make a real difference.

For example, in some Aboriginal cultures, direct eye contact may be seen as aggressive or confrontational. By being aware of these cultural nuances, we can provide more effective support.

We must also recognise and address power imbalances that can create barriers to effective support. This means being mindful of any biases, assumptions, or privilege.

By acknowledging and addressing these power imbalances, we can create a more equitable and supportive environment for Aboriginal parents.

Practicing culturally safe care and respect for Aboriginal parents' unique needs is essential. This means being open to learning about their culture, and showing genuine interest in their values, practices, and incorporating these into our support.

By doing so, we can build trust, promote healing, and support Aboriginal parents in achieving their goals and aspirations.

Thank you for taking part in this cultural awareness training. 

We hope you've gained a broader understanding of the importance of supporting and empowering Aboriginal parents in a culturally safe and respectful way.

Remember, supporting and empowering Aboriginal parents requires a commitment to cultural awareness, understanding, and respect. 

And just like the Parents Beyond Breakup values - If not us, then who? And have an open heart, and an open mind.

We want to reach as many people that need us and need our support. 

To know that we’re here for you, and you’re not alone. 

So please reach out and I’d like to say farewell, in my language, which is Nginuwa, goodbye.