Essay on Indigenous-led model of health practice receives international award

An essay outlining how place-based Indigenous cultural practices can address disparities in health outcomes for First Nations young people has been awarded a Journal of Architectural Education Article Award for 2023.

This prestigious award recognises the significant contribution of architectural educators through outstanding peer-reviewed essays.

A ‘Holding Place’: An Indigenous Typology to Mediate Hospital Care, was co-authored by Associate Professor Janet McGaw from the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning, Associate Professor Alasdair Vance from the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, and Uncle Herb Patten, a Gunai-Kurnai, Wiradjuri, and Yorta Yorta Elder who serves on the Governing Board of Elders/Senior People for the Elder-Governed Indigenous Cultural Practices Project.

The essay defines a ‘holding place’ as an Indigenous-led space that can facilitate access to biomedical health care and cultural therapies within its grounds; providing a a safe place for young people and their families to be with mob while receiving care.

“Knowing there is a place to stay, to breathe, to yarn, to listen, and just ‘be’, can be healing in itself,” Uncle Herb said.

Associate Professor McGaw said the award is a testament to members of the Aboriginal community who are leading the project.

“It has been wonderful to work with a venerable senior Elder, and an Aboriginal psychiatrist interested in providing the best of Indigenous cultural practices and Western health,”  she said.

The essay forms part of an ongoing research project looking into Indigenous youth mental health care led by Professor Sandra Eades, enabled by a Million Minds national $5 million grant.

“We are continuing to work with Elders and Aboriginal health workers to fine tune a brief for a ‘Holding Place’,” Associate Professor Vance said.

Along with recent Royal Commission recommendations for the formation of Indigenous-led ‘healing centres’, the team is optimistic that the health system in Australia is moving towards providing holistic Culture-centred care for all First Nations young people.