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Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander men have the worst health of any group in Australia. Despite this, federal, state and territory government policies do not specifically address the issue. Existing research demonstrates the complexity of the problems facing Indigenous men in Australia. The intersection of masculinity and Indigeneity, compounded by colonisation, historical policies, stigma, marginalisation, trauma, grief and loss of identity are key factors that shape these poor health outcomes. This research explores the role played by Bush Adventure Therapy as a holistic health and well-being intervention for Aboriginal men in Southern Tasmania. Bush Adventure Therapy is a diverse and malleable field of practice combining adventure and outdoor environments with the intention to achieve therapeutic outcomes for those involved. The Indigenous methodology of yarning is used to conduct semi-structed interviews (n=11*). Preliminary results indicate the negative impact on colonisation and transgenerational trauma on health and well-being. While themes of holistic improvements to health, connection to Country, place and culture, friendship and community building, spirituality and self-determination have emerged. Bush Adventure Therapy is a malleable health and well-being intervention that has been reported to provide holistically benefits. The ability to weave cultural practices such as collecting traditional foods, making items hearing stories and yarning are important to Aboriginal men. To help improve Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander men’s health holistically, innovative and self-determining approaches that are culturally appropriate are important.

Item Type:	Conference Extract
Keywords:	Aboriginal men's health, on country, bush adventure therapy
Research Division:	Indigenous Studies
Research Group:	Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing
Research Field:	Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander public health and wellbeing
Objective Division:	Indigenous
Objective Group:	Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health
Objective Field:	Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health status and outcomes
UTAS Author:	Prehn, J (Dr Jacob Prehn)
ID Code:	136312
Year Published:	2019
Deposited By:	Social Work
Deposited On:	2019-12-13
Last Modified:	2021-03-08
Downloads:	39 View Download Statistics