An artwork created by Noongar artist Valerie Ah Chee encapsulates the importance of entrenching cultural safety for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people into WA’s mental health system.
The artwork, Dabakan Kooliny (‘Go slowly’/ ‘Walk slowly’), was commissioned for Embrace’s childhood trauma research group’s Cultural Safety Project, with the aim of creating a visual representation of what the project hopes to achieve.
Within the central layer, a sturdy and nurturing tree provides safety and connection for children sitting amongst its’ branches. Layers of family, community, and culture support the children, working as safety nets as they embark on their holistic journey towards social and emotional wellbeing.
Dabakan Kooliny shows an Aboriginal perspective of the journey of youth mental health. It represents “a journey that must be done at a slow and steady pace so we can take into consideration all the elements that impact on our wellbeing when deciding on what we need to heal and be healthy.”
The Cultural Safety Project is a joint project between The Kids Research Institute Australia Embrace and The University of Western Australia (UWA). The project focuses on improving cultural safety in mental health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people.
The team will aim to produce evidence-based guidelines for mental health services working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and their families.
Embrace is supported by principal partner, Rio Tinto.