Gaawaadhi Gadudha: exploring how cultural camps support health and wellbeing among Aboriginal adults in New South Wales Australia, a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND

Culture and its practice is a recognised, but not well understood factor, in Aboriginal health and wellbeing. Our study aimed to explore how health and wellbeing are phenomenologically connected to cultural practices, foods, medicines, languages, and Country, through the platform of 'on-Country' camps facilitated by Aboriginal cultural knowledge holders in NSW, Australia.

METHODS

Our study is based on a collaboration between knowledge holders from freshwater and saltwater cultures, and Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal researchers. Three existing cultural camps on Yuwaalaraay, Gamilaraay, and Yuin-Djirringanj Country were observed as part of the study. Within the camps, eight yarning circles were conducted with 76 participants. Data were analysed inductively using literal code descriptors which were cross tabulated to identify emergent patterns relevant to the study aims.

FINDINGS

Three key areas emerged from our analysis: 1) what constitutes cultural health; 2) the way in which cultural camps provide a mechanism for improved cultural health and; 3) the key elements needed to deliver a cultural camp that provides therapeutic benefits. Camps had a positive effect on participants' social, emotional, and spiritual health and wellbeing, often described through experiences of healing or stress relief, connection with Country and each other, and engaging in cultural practices.

INTERPRETATION

'On-Country' camps that are facilitated by place-based knowledge holders, provide a unique and promising platform that supports Aboriginal health and wellbeing through therapeutic, sensory experiences that strengthen cultural health; including cultural identity, knowledge gain and sharing, connection to Country, mob, and ancestors, and engagement in cultural practices. Access to Country and land to conduct camps remains a barrier to their delivery.

FUNDING

This study was funded by the Australian Government's Medical Research Future Fund (MRF2009522).