Cultural determinants of health are interlinked elements including: cultural expression, continuity of culture, self-determination and leadership, family, kinship and community, language, Indigenous beliefs and knowledge and connection to Country (see Box 1) (Arabena 2020; Verbunt et al. 2021). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities draw strength, resilience and empowerment, and maintain or improve health and wellbeing though these cultural determinants (see Figure 1) (Arabena 2020; Verbunt et al. 2021).
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture – which incorporates knowledge and belief systems, languages, art and music, access to traditional lands and connection to Country – and extended family networks and kinship systems are recognised as protective factors and can positively influence overall health and wellbeing (Gee et al. 2014; Bourke et al. 2018; Verbunt et al. 2021; DoHAC 2020).
Source: adapted from Verbunt et al. 2021.
Box 1: What is Country?
Country is a term used by Aboriginal and Torres Islander peoples to describe complex ideas about the lands, waterways, and seas they are connected to and ideas about law, place, custom, language, spiritual belief, cultural practice, material sustenance, family and identity (AIATSIS 2022).