Weaving Indigenous wisdom into wellbeing
In this episode, Professor Helen Milroy guides us through the transformative power of Indigenous storytelling and the profound impact it can have on mental health and wellbeing.
Drawing on her extensive experience and rich cultural background, Prof. Milroy discusses the ancient knowledge system of Aboriginal culture, emphasising the importance of intertwining it with modern science for the benefit of all. From her pioneering work in developing mental health concepts, to her recent focus on universal Indigenous storytelling, particularly for children, she shares how stories become a source of resilience, autonomy and connection, fostering a deep sense of identity and purpose. Delving into the creative process, she unveils the magic of narratives and emphasises the crucial role of creativity during challenging times, debunking the notion of a deficit-based model in mental health services.
Prof. Milroy’s wisdom echoes throughout the episode, inviting us to embrace the strengths-based approach, cultural understanding, and a united journey towards the wellbeing of all children in Australia, intertwining Indigenous and Western knowledge for a brighter future.
In this episode, you will learn:
- the profound role Indigenous storytelling plays in fostering resilience, autonomy and cultural connection for the wellbeing of all [10:00]
- about the strengths-based approach and how the Aboriginal model, centred on social and emotional wellbeing, promotes empowerment over disempowerment [19:21]
- about the importance of cultivating friendship and true partnership in designing services, emphasising the need for a collaborative approach that honours both Western and Indigenous perspectives [23:29]
- why a broader perspective on evidence-based medicine is needed – one that recognises the validity of thousands of years of observational learning in Indigenous communities as valuable evidence [25:02]
Further information and resources:
A culturally safe research process in mental health fact sheet