Moving Forward Together in Aboriginal Women's Health: - Theses ...

Moving Forward TogetherJanet KellyTable 2.1 Comparison of public health eras, policies, practices & Aboriginal health experiences (Kelly 2008)Health eraDominant policies andactivitiesMainstream health interventionmodelsAboriginal health experiences& Aboriginal policy eras1. Indigenous - pre invasion & colonisationStrong relationships between people, land,spirituality, family, community and personalwell-being2. Post Invasion & colonisation1788 – 1890sColonisation Control of infectiousdiseasesImproved sanitationQuarantine Acts (particularly ofAboriginal people)Provision of clean water andsanitation for settlementsEuropean invasion & settlement 1788 –1880s*Conflict and resistance*Sickness/loss of heart, land, leadership,traditions, language*Massacres, dispossession, small pox, STI’s*Malnutrition, forced change of diet3. Nation Building Era1890-1940sPublic health promotionBubonic Plague (1900)World War I*State & federal action toimprove the health of the(white) nation.*Health linked to ideas ofvitality, efficiency, purity,virtue*Poor management ofwaste products intowaterways*Formation of CommonwealthDepartment of Health*Organised open air exerciseprograms,*Medical inspection of schoolchildren*Hygiene advice to population*Increased understanding thatsocial and economic factors effectSegregation & protection 1890s – 1950s1911 legislation saw Aboriginal people as adying race (Darwinism)*Chief Protector is legal guardian of allAboriginal children –many of whom wereremoved from their families*Extensive disease and loss of life due toinfectious diseases*Living on missions & government reserves*Poor housing, health and employment57