Why First Nations wellbeing matters
For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, social and emotional wellbeing is about more than individual wellbeing. It includes the wellbeing of families and communities. It also recognises the strong connections between physical, mental, cultural, spiritual and social wellbeing.
Strong social and emotional wellbeing can help protect against mental ill health, alcohol and other drug harms and suicide. It also supports healing and recovery.
Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Declaration
The Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Declaration is a national framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership in mental health, social and emotional wellbeing, and suicide prevention.
We are committed to the declaration’s principles and recognise its importance in improving wellbeing outcomes. The declaration is acknowledged in Shifting minds: Queensland Mental Health Alcohol and Other Drugs Strategic Plan.
Read the Gayaa Dhuwi Declaration and the Gayaa Dhuwi Declaration Framework and Implementation Plan.
Cultural healing
The First Nations Cultural Healing Program strengthens community-led responses to historical and intergenerational trauma experienced by First Nations communities in Queensland. It also supports awareness and education about this trauma and its ongoing impacts.
The program is a key action in The Queensland Trauma Strategy. It funds culturally grounded initiatives that build on traditional knowledge, culture and healing practices.
First Nations communities design and deliver initiatives that reflect their local needs and priorities. Cultural healing helps First Nations people strengthen their connection to culture, Country, family and community.
Through the program, First Nations organisations deliver initiatives that:
- strengthen cultural identity and connection
- create safe spaces for healing
- support resilience and wellbeing
- share and maintain cultural knowledge
These initiatives build on the strengths and leadership of First Nations communities to support healing for current and future generations.
View First Nations Cultural Healing Program Grants grant recipients and the initiatives they are delivering.
Social and emotional wellbeing
The Social and Emotional Wellbeing Program supported community-led initiatives in First Nations communities across Queensland. While the program has ended, its outcomes continue to inform future initiatives.
The program helped:
- improve access to culturally safe support
- strengthen local leadership and decision making
- create employment opportunities for First Nations peoples.
It showed that community-led approaches and strong local partnerships can improve social and emotional wellbeing and help build stronger communities.
The Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social and Emotional Wellbeing Action Plan 2016–18 guided efforts to improve social and emotional wellbeing.
Working together to support First Nations wellbeing
We work with the Department of Women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Multiculturalism to support initiatives that:
- improve social and emotional wellbeing
- reduce the harms from alcohol and other drugs
- help prevent suicide.
These initiatives are funded by First Nations Social and Emotional Wellbeing Grants. They are aligned with Achieving balance: The Queensland Alcohol and Other Drugs Plan and Every life: The Queensland Suicide Prevention Plan.