"Those of us who have worked on the frontline of Aboriginal health for
any length of time know that beneath the surface reality of Aboriginal
people's poor health outcomes sits a deeper truth. It is about the
importance of social and emotional wellbeing, and how this flows from a
sense of control over one's own life. Where this is lacking, as it is in
so many Aboriginal families and communities, there is instead
indifference and despair and a descent into poor lifestyle choices and
self-destructive behaviours. Our medical professionals do a great job of
prescribing medicines and devising treatment programs but, to fix the
root causes of ill-health, we need something more. As Aboriginal people
we need to have a sense of agency in our lives, that we are not stray
leaves blowing about in the wind. In a word, we need empowerment".
Dr. Pat Anderson, Chairperson, the Lowitja Institute, Australia's
National Institute for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health
Research.