Aboriginal Health

This essay aims to discuss the prescribed statement developed in 1982 by the National Aboriginal and Islander Heath Organisation, which states that
Health is a multidimensional concept, which embraces all aspects of living and stresses the importance that Aboriginal people place on being in harmony with the environment as well as survival (1982). This embraces the idea that health is achieved through implementing all aspects of living, including biological, physical, environmental, cultural, spiritual and politicoeconomic factors of living (National Aboriginal and Islander Heath Organisation 1982). Additionally, Eckermann et al. 2010, further this statement, which will serve as the central focus of this essay (p.64). A description identifying
2010 further states ‘Health care services should strive to achieve the state where every individual is able to achieve their full potential as a human beings’, before adding ‘this brings about the total wellbeing of their community’ (p.64). Aboriginal culture is intrinsic throughout society and is embodied within communities around the nation (Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation Inc. 2015). It is therefore important health service practitioners who wish to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders have an understanding of Aboriginal culture in order to engage effectively and ensure equal treatment (Eckermann et al. 2010, p.64). Cultural identity is a strength these practitioners should posses when working within the Aboriginal community, as this influences the way we work and apply integrity, which in turn strengthens inclusion and our understanding regarding health (Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation Inc.
Cultural competence incorporates a number of compatible behaviours, thoughts, and strategies that arise within systems, agencies or among professionals to enable successful outcomes when working in multicultural circumstances (National health and medical research council 2005, p.7). Cultural competence centres on the capability of health systems to advance the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities through the integration of culture inside the distribution of health services (National health and medical research council 2005, p.7). This is achieved internally through the implementation of cultural competency principles. The principles include engaging consumers and communities and sustaining reciprocal relationships, using leadership and accountability for sustained change, building on strengths, know the community, know what works plus shared responsibility, creating partnerships and sustainability (National health and medical research council 2005,