This week (2nd-9th July) is NAIDOC Week 2023. National NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth. For our Association, it is an opportunity to highlight our commitment to constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through a First Nations Voice to Parliament and to reconciliation, health equity and sovereignty.
In the spirit of continuous learning, we reflect on where we can do more and do better to continue our growth and journey as a culturally responsive organisation, profession and discipline which embraces Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of working and knowing.
In the spirit of NAIDOC Week being about the celebration and recognition of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the Health Promotion Journal of Australia has curated a Virtual Issue with the intent of ‘Celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices in Australian health promotion’. We think this is a timely contribution within the context of national discussions about the Uluru Statement from the Heart, and the upcoming referendum about a Voice to Parliament.
This Virtual Issue presents selected Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health promotion scholarship, that rightfully privileges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander narratives, and articles that are led or co-authored by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The first two research papers included in this Virtual Issue aim to speak directly to the 2023 NAIDOC Week theme - ‘For Our Elders’. The other articles - most of which reflect previously published qualitative research - demonstrate the power and importance of privileging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices in this way.
Please use this collection of articles to reflect on the important contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges in advancing health promotion in Australia.
Access the Virtual Issue here.
Access the new Editorial here.
