WACHS Goldfields Aboriginal Cultural Booklet Acknowledgement WA Country Health acknowledges the Aboriginal people of the many traditional lands and language groups of . We acknowledge the wisdom of Aboriginal Elders both past and present and pay respect to Aboriginal communities of today.

This booklet was developed through the Lighthouse Hospital Project. The Lighthouse Hospital Project is a joint initiative between the Heart Foundation and the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association.

The project is funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health through the ’ Health Programme.

WA Country Health Services (WACHS) Goldfields and the Lighthouse Hospital Project acknowledges the WACHS Aboriginal staff and local community members’ contributions to the development of this Goldfields Aboriginal Cultural Resource Booklet:

Jane Drew: Lighthouse Project Officer, Health Campus

Raylene Cooper: Senior Aboriginal Mental Health Worker, Community Mental Health Services, Goldfields

Marilyn McKenzie: Aboriginal Liaison Officer; Kalgoorlie Hospital

Corena Newland: Aboriginal Liaison Officer; Kalgoorlie Hospital

Josie Adams: Aboriginal Health Worker, Kalgoorlie Community Health

Kandice Whitehurst: Aboriginal Health Promotions Worker, Population Health, Goldfields

Geraldine Hogarth: Senior Aboriginal Health Worker, Leonora Community Health

Kerry Griffiths: Aboriginal Health Worker, Renal Health Services

WACHS – Pilbara: Aboriginal Cultural Resource Group

Cover Painting “Eating and Healing Food” Artwork by Regina Donaldson - October 2011

This painting is about the healthy food that is shown in the artwork. These are silky pears, honey ants, the quandongs and witchetty grubs which are healthy foods that are also used for bush medicine. There are also bush herbs in the painting that are also used to make medicine which you drink to make you well. The fruits can be used to make a rubbing ointment to heal aches and pains or a drink that will make an upset tummy feel better. The red cross is to depict a place of healing and wellness. Contents

INTRODUCTION 1

SHOWING RESPECT TO ABORIGINAL PEOPLES AND CULTURE 2

• Welcome to Country/Acknowledgement of Country • The Flags • Asking the Question

ABORIGINAL PEOPLES IN THE GOLDFIELDS AREA 4

ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE 5

• WA Health Services Map • The Client Journey

ABORIGINAL CULTURES AND CUSTOMS 6

• Cultural Identity • Connection with Land • Ceremonial Business • Death and Dying • Funerals

CULTURALLY SAFE COMMUNICATION 7

• Engaging and Talking with Aboriginal Peoples • Body Language • Eye Contact • Verbal Communication • Time • Language • Gender • What Not to Ask

SIGNIFICANT DATES 11

RESOURCES 13

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 13 INTRODUCTION This booklet provides some of the cultural factors and considerations to take into account when caring for Aboriginal patients and residents from the Goldfields.

We recognise the cultural diversity of Aboriginal groups and cultures. WACHS Goldfields is in no position to speak on their behalf. Please keep this in mind when reading through this booklet. It should not be used to make assumptions or generalisations about Aboriginal peoples or communities.

This booklet focuses on information relevant to providing care and support to Aboriginal peoples attending WACHS Goldfields health services. Be aware that Aboriginal culture varies across the Goldfields and Australia; there are many different skin groups and languages.

Within Western Australia, the term Aboriginal is used in preference to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, in recognition that Aboriginal people are the original inhabitants of Western Australia. No disrespect is intended to our Torres Strait Islander colleagues and community. “An Aboriginal person is someone who has the same basic physical needs just like you and me; but she/he may have different values, culture, language, lifestyle, skin colour; he/she may live in an extended family situation.”

(Dr Charles Perkins AO 1968)

Art work by Jason Dimer - Karlkurla Bush Tucker

1 SHOWING RESPECT FOR ABORIGINAL PEOPLES AND CULTURE Welcome to Country/Acknowledgement of Country Acknowledgement of Country and People Policy

Welcome to Country is an important custom performed by an Aboriginal traditional custodian or Elder to welcome people to their land. This can only be performed by an Aboriginal custodian or Elder from the lands on which the meeting or event is held. Welcome to Country is required for all major WA Health official events attended by members of the public, representatives of WA Health, other government agencies or media.

Acknowledgement of Traditional Ownership/Country is a custom that the wider community can follow to demonstrate respect for Aboriginal protocol. It can be performed by any individual, Aboriginal or non-Aboriginal person at an occasion of any kind. It demonstrates respect for the traditional custodians of the land or sea where the gathering of participants is being conducted.

It is appropriate for events such as hospital or health service staff meetings, small or specialised public information sessions or small conferences.

The Flags Showing respect for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags shows respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The flags have a very special meaning to many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; it is a symbol of acknowledgment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures.

Australian Aboriginal Flag - A flag to represent and identify Australian Aboriginal peoples did not exist until 12 July 1971 when a flag designed by Mr Harold Thomas was first flown in Adelaide. The red stripe represents the land and the black symbolises the Aboriginal peoples. The yellow circle represents the sun, the giver of life.

Torres Strait Islander Flag - A flag was adopted in May 1992 to represent the Torres Strait Islanders. The design is attributed to Mr Bernard Namok and copyright is owned by the Torres Strait Island Coordinating Council. The green stripes represent the land, the blue stripe represents the sea and the black symbolises the peoples. The central device is a Dhari, a dancer’s headdress with a 5-pointed star to symbolise the five island groups in the Torres Strait.

2 Asking the Question “Are you (is the patient) of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander origin?” 1. Aboriginal not Torres Strait Islander 2. Torres Strait Islander not Aboriginal 3. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 4. Not Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander or No

This question should be asked directly of all clients each time they present/are admitted irrespective of appearance, country of birth or whether or not the staff knows the client or family background or whether a previous response to this question is recorded in the system.

Why is the Question So Important? The under-identification of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in mainstream health services and national health data sets is a fundamental barrier to achieving health equality for all Australians.

Have you asked Why do we ask? the question? • Acknowledgement of health conditions • Cultural understanding • Service provision Are you (is the patient) of Aboriginal • Appropriate referrals or Torres Strait Islander origin? It’s mandatory to ask every patient on each admission • Program planning For more information • Statistical Data on how to ask the question, visit heartfoundation.org.au/your-heart/aboriginal-health • Funding

HH-SCEQ-001.1.0619

For further information/training on Asking the Question please go to the Heart Foundations Web site at https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/for-professionals/aboriginal-health-resources/training-centre

3 ABORIGINAL PEOPLES IN THE GOLDFIELDS AREA Aboriginal peoples in the Goldfields include:

Wankatja/ (Kalgoorlie, Leonora and Laverton) Ngadju (Coolgardie, Norseman and Esperance) Martu (Wiluna) Nyoongar/Nyungar (South West people who have migrated to the Kalgoorlie area) Tjuntjuntjara ( region of Western Australia). Tjuntjuntjara is situated within the Shire of Menzies 680km east of Kalgoorlie-Boulder.

Kiwirrkurra Communities

Ngaanyatjarra lands are made up of 12 Tjukurla Patjarr NT Ngaanyatjarra Lands communities located in the far north east of Warakurna Wanarn

Western Australia, adjoining the Northern Kalgoorlie Adelaide Perth Tjirrkarli Blackstone Territory and borders. Jameson Wingelina Kanpa Warburton

WA SA

Cosmo Newberry

Kimberley Northern Pitjantjajara Community (APY Territory Lands) is located in the Central Desert and borders Western Australia,

APY Lands the Northern Territory and South South Australia Australia. Perth Adelaide

Anangi Pitjantjajara Community (APY Lands)

As health professionals you will care for people and work with co-workers from different groups. It is important to be aware that they may speak different languages or dialects and have different customs.

4 ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE WA Health Country Health Services

Health Services in Goldfields and its Surrounding Areas Kiwirrikurra

Regional Hospital

Tjukurla District Hospital Patjarr WILUNA (S) Health Centre Warakurna Silver Chain Facility Wannarn NGAANYATIJARRA Aboriginal Clinic HEALTH SERVICE Blackstone NGANGGANAWILI Jameson Tjirrkarli Wingelina Aboriginal Community HEALTH SERVICE WARBURTON Wiluna Kanpa East Pilbara (S) (Part Only)

Ravensthorpe (S) Mulga Queen

LEINSTER Wiluna (S) Cosmo Newberry

WA Country Health Service - Goldfields Region Wongutha Wongunara LAVERTON Community Controlled Aboriginal Medical Service LEONORA Mt Margaret SPINIFEX Nambi Village HEALTH SERVICE Muraoi Station Tjuntjuntjara MENZIES

BEGA GARNBIRRINGU HEALTH SERVICE Ninga Mia Village Kurrawang KALGOORLIE GOLDFIELDS COOLGARDIE Coonana KAMBALDA EUCLA

NORSEMAN

RAVENSTHORPE (S)

RAVENSTHORPE ESPERANCE

NB: 10kms outside of Norseman is an Aboriginal Community (not indicated on the map) known as Sunrise – Tjintu Para Para

The Client Journey Many people from remote areas, especially the desert communities, access Northern Territory and/ or South Australian health services as well WA Country Health Services.

A single trip from Kalgoorlie to Warburton involves passing through many different communities. A client’s journey from Kalgoorlie to Warburton can be over 1600 kms.

The majority of the roads in remote communities are unsealed. Therefore, a client’s trip to the nearest town can often be quite slow and dusty and is dependent on weather conditions.

5 ABORIGINAL CULTURES AND CUSTOMS

Cultural Identity Each Aboriginal community is different, with different customs and protocols, systems of organisation and relationships to each other. There is no single Aboriginal culture. Aboriginal society is dynamic and continuously evolving.

Skin Groups

Many Aboriginal groups in WA have a skin group cultural practice. Traditional Aboriginal Lore in these communities states that a person will belong to one of six skin groups. A person’s skin group will be different from either skin group of their parents and the individual will marry a person from another skin group. His or her skin will depend on the particular social situation in which it is to be applied; ceremonial or secular. The purpose of the skin group system was primarily to prevent relationships between people with family connections. You will find people in urban areas may not follow traditional practices but it is still common practice in remote communities.

Connection with Land

Aboriginal people identify greatly with their homeland. Connection to land is such an important part of Aboriginal people’s identity, culture and spirituality.

Spiritual and cultural connection to the land: • Obliges Aboriginal people to look after cultural sites which are ‘living museums’ of their ancestors and include: dreaming sites, archaeological sites, water holes, burial grounds. • Allows traditions to be passed onto the next generation. • Makes Aboriginal groups responsible for the spiritual maintenance of the land through ceremonies and rituals, which remains a common practice with many Aboriginal peoples.

Ceremonial Business Confidential culture: Lore time (business time) is very sacred especially amongst people from remote communities. It is a time that non- Aboriginal people need to respect. Men’s business and women’s business is very important, it may mean that a man will only talk to a man and a woman will only talk to a woman, especially about sensitive and personal matters. If an Aboriginal person mentions men’s or women’s business, seek advice from Aboriginal staff to guide you – do not always assume as a man you can just talk to another man or the same with a woman.

6 Death and Dying Following death, the bereavement period is referred to by many Aboriginal peoples as Sorry Business; it’s an important part of the grieving process. When Aboriginal families experience death and dying they often feel a strong need to be with the person who is passing or has passed and may display behaviours which may not be part of their usual character. The Aboriginal family (Mob) may present with behaviours like wailing, and strong emotions. This can be upsetting but needs to be respected. If possible, the patient should be moved to a quiet area and the family given an area they can grieve together.

Each community may have a different approach to saying a deceased person’s name and whether that name can be spoken or not. If you are unsure of how to communicate effectively with a bereaved family or individual, ask an Elder/family leader present or an Aboriginal worker for guidance. Awareness of this helps to create respect, understanding and better relationships.

Funerals Funerals usually take place after Sorry Business and grieving. Funeral ceremonies and their preparation take precedence over most things and take a long time.

Funerals allow people to grieve, to pay respect to people that have passed away previously or connect with family they may not have seen for a long time. People will often travel long distances to meet family members and attend funerals which allows them to grieve with family. Sometimes in regional areas, the entire community will be closed during the day of the funeral and attendance at funerals can take precedence over other activities and commitments.

Following the death of a family or community member, Aboriginal staff may request leave to enable them to observe Sorry Business and funerals.

CULTURALLY SAFE COMMUNICATION

Engaging and Talking with Aboriginal Peoples History has had a very significant impact on the Aboriginal peoples, and has helped create a feeling of: • Fear and distrust • Imbalance of power • Feelings of shame. 7 Aboriginal peoples may feel vulnerable and fearful entering a hospital or health service so please consider the following: • Allow time to build rapport • Listen and be patient • Allow time for silence • Speak in plain English and take time to explain • Speak quietly if other people are around, preferably in a quiet place • Always check to ensure that patients have understood what is being said • Consider an interpreter or Aboriginal Liaison Officer/Health Worker.

Be aware that a ‘no show’ at appointments or ‘discharge against medical advice ‘does not necessarily mean a lack of commitment.

Aboriginal patients may have unavoidable family commitments, or difficulty accessing health care because of geographic or economic barriers. These may include: • Transport – not readily available or difficulty using public transport • Telephone – no access to a telephone to cancel/change appointments • Family responsibilities – these can take priority • Housing – homelessness or a transient (highly mobile) lifestyle • Death – funerals take precedence over everything else in an Aboriginal community.

Body Language Aboriginal people are very astute non – verbal communicators. Make sure that what you say is consistent with your body language. Be aware that body language and hand gestures are a more accurate indicator of good communication – both yours and the person you are speaking with.

Remember that different people have different perspectives on eye contact, touch, personal space and tone of voice; all are just as valid as your own. You can take a cue from the person you are speaking with.

Eye Contact Some Aboriginal people find eye contact intrusive; try to avoid this if you find the person does not make eye contact with you. This is not a sign of the person being shifty or untrustworthy. (Try sitting side to side rather than face to face).

Verbal Communication It’s important to be aware that if an Aboriginal person says ‘yes’ it doesn’t always mean ‘I agree’ or ‘I understand’. It can often simply mean ‘I’m listening’ or ‘I hear you’. 8 Some responses may be made just to please you or because the person feels embarrassed or shy.

Time Time is perceived differently by many Aboriginal peoples. It is often linked to events of the past and present. Try linking tasks (e.g. taking medication) with key events (e.g. sun up or sun down) or appointments (e.g. special days, Birthdays).

Language Language is very diverse across the Goldfields region. There are ten languages within the Goldfields area: Ngadu, Tjuparn, , Kuwarra, Murning, Gubrun, Ngaanyatjarra, Wangkatha, Martu and Pitjatjatjarra. For that reason we have not included any languages in this booklet. For some Aboriginal peoples, English is not their first language and this can lead to some miscommunication. The most common language spoken in the Kalgoorlie area is Wangkatha and many of the Aboriginal staff in the Goldfields can speak Wangkatha. They may also speak a few of the other languages from this area. Please ask for assistance with interpreting or consider using diagrams, yarning to build up a rapport with the person. Remember to seek information about interpreters or staff that can help.

The Goldfield’s Language Centre in Kalgoorlie has many resources if you are interested in learning about the different languages/communities contact them at: www.wangka.com.au

AIATSIS map of Aboriginal Languages / Communities Australia

This map attempts to represent the language, social or nation groups of Aboriginal Australia. It shows only the general locations of larger groupings of people which may include clans, dialects or individual languages in a group. It used published resources from 1988-1994 and is not intended to be exact, nor the boundaries fixed. It is not suitable for native title or other land claims. David R Horton (creator), © AIATSIS, 1996. No reproduction without permission. To purchase a print version visit: www.aiatsis.ashop.com.au/ 9 Sign Language Systems (hand talk) are an important, although often overlooked, part of the Aboriginal linguistic and cultural heritage. Signing, known as an “alternate” sign language, is used primarily by hearing people as an alternative to speech in certain situations for example during hunting, speaking to Elders or during “Sorry Time” . Deaf people in communities may use the local sign language as well to communicate.

Check with the patient, family member or Aboriginal staff if they are using sign (hand talk) before you make assumptions about the person’s behaviour. Refer to the Topical Dictionary of the , W.H Douglas, for further explanation.

Picture by Jason Dimer Karlkurla Kapi Pulka

This painting represents the waterholes and waterways that were created back in the dreamtime. Aboriginal men can be seen tracking Kangaroo and Emu to the big water hole. The Goanna’s are the protectors of the area.

10 Gender Some Aboriginal peoples will only want to communicate and receive support from people from the same gender as them and not discuss or share information with the opposite gender. Some male Elders may not interact with female workers. Ask the individual or family their preferences for how they receive support and communication.

What Not to Ask It is really important not to shame someone, especially in front of others. If you are talking to a patient about personal things talk to them in private. For example, the Aboriginal person may find it shameful when there’s a request to provide a faeces or urine sample. This should be done is a quiet whisper or voice so that other people don’t hear or in a quiet private place.

Public criticism of an individual can lead to confrontation or the Aboriginal person getting up and walking away. Criticism should be done sensitively on a one on one level; public criticism is a shame factor that can produce an angry reaction.

Be aware that talking about men’s business or woman’s business in the general treatment area is not appropriate and needs to be done in private.

There is a wealth of experience and cultural expertise across WACHS Goldfields and those who possess it are more than happy to share it with you. All you have to do is ask.

Recognition of Aboriginal workers – Name badges with flags for Aboriginal identification “you’re our mob, we are here for you”.

SIGNIFICANT DATES Across Australia each year there are several festivals and significant dates which celebrate the unique cultures of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their importance in the identity of Australia. Whilst we are acknowledging the key significant days it is important to note there are many other dates that are celebrated e.g National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day https://indigenousportal.eq.edu.au/resources/dates/Pages/dates.aspx

National Apology Day, 13 February this event marks the anniversary of the Apology to Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the House of Representatives on 13 February 2008 by former Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd. The Apology was for past laws, policies and practices that have impacted on Australia’s First Nations peoples, particularly members of the Stolen Generations.

11 National Close the Gap Day, 20 March raises awareness about the 17-year life expectancy gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians.

Harmony Day, 21 March Harmony Day is a day of cultural respect for everyone who calls Australia home – from the Traditional Owners of this land to those who have come from many countries around the world.

National Sorry Day, 26 May is a significant day for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and particularly for Stolen Generations survivors.

National Reconciliation Week, 27 May – 3 June, 27 May 1967 – the referendum that saw more than 90 per cent of Australians vote to give the Australian Government power to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and recognise them in the census.

3 June 1992 – the Australian High Court delivered the Mabo decision; this paved the way for land rights known as native title. Mabo Day is held on 3 June each year to celebrate the life of Eddie Koiki Mabo and this momentous occasion.

NAIDOC (National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee) starts 2nd Sunday in July NAIDOC is a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and an opportunity to recognise the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in various fields.

12 RESOURCES

Government of Western Australia Department of Health Maps produced by Spatial Services unit, Epidemiology Department Ting Lin October 2017

Ngaanyatjarra map The-map-of-the-Ngaanyatjarra-Lands-identifies- the-small_fig1_266570580. APY Lands map

AIATSIS map of Indigenous Australia from AISTSIS https://aiatsis.gov. au/aboriginal-studies-press/copyright-permissions

Australian Flags Booklet – Australian Government: Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet - Commonwealth of Australia 2006

Communication and Engagement: Cultural Orientation Plan for Health Professionals. Module 3: Working with Aboriginal People. Reproduced with the permission of the Western Australian Centre for Rural Health (January 2013)

Australian Human Rights Commission Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Engagement Toolkit March 2012

Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Traditional Ownership – Guidelines and protocols for WA Health Government of Western Australia Department of Health Aboriginal Health 2016

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Special thanks to Trevor Donaldson Senior Aboriginal Elder for cultural approval and advice.

Front page art work photography by Lynn Webb Photography www.lynnwebb.com.au

Healing Foods art work by Regina Donaldson: Coolgardie Aboriginal Artist

Karlkurla Bush Foods art work by: Jason Dimer Kalgoorlie Aboriginal Artist

Cave Hill National Park photography by: Grace Daley, Project Coordinator, Lighthouse Hospital Project (Heart Foundation).

Graphic Design & Printing by Snap Print & Design Kalgoorlie website

Goldfields Aboriginal Language Centre https://www.wangka.com.au

13 NOTES

14 NOTES

15 NOTES

16 WA Country Health Service - Goldfields. All rights reserved. No part of this resource material shall be reproduced or transmitted in any form (electronic, photocopied or otherwise) without permission of WACHS Goldfields and the identified authors.