Sovereignty Sovereignty is exercising autonomy, both at an individual level and as a ‘People’ (Larissa Behrendt, 2003). It acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights, ownership and authority in Australia which was never ceded in terms of land, law and its People. This recognises that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander governance and participation is inherent to the effectiveness and success of programs. By foregrounding the principle of sovereignty, RACGP are choosing to pay particular attention to the historical and political factors that have shaped the lives and health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. This principle is necessary for the RACGP Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural and Health Training Framework to embody the kind of systemic and structural change required to improve health outcomes, also aligning with the Uluru Statement from the Heart. Self-determination Self-determination is the collective right of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural development and develop their own systems of governance, it is an essential approach to overcoming disadvantage (National Aboriginal Health Strategy Working Party, 1989). Self-determination is achieved by expanding and holding space within the existing RACGP governance structures for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Evidence shows that self-determination in decision making to create Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander led solutions for health can mitigate the impacts of colonialism for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, improving health and wellbeing. Decolonisation According to a Māori academic, decolonisation involves critically understanding the culturally biased assumptions, motivations, and values underlying knowledge construction (Prof Linda Tuhiwai Smith, 2012). The western cultural bias in medical education replicates colonial power structures and consequently leads to systems and processes that are less effective for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and learners. By unpacking these biases and centring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in the analysis, RACGP can develop the critical thinking and reflexivity to challenge these structures and enhance systems and processes that will be beneficial to all. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural and Health Training Framework 23
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI3ODI1