For Aboriginal communities, ‘Country’ refers to that place or environment that welcomes, nurtures, and recreates community based on a relationship to land, culture, law and Elders.
Find out more about our research projects that are contributing to Indigenous knowledge and connection to Country.
We measure our projects against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – a framework of 17 common aims for improving the health of our planet and its people.
Title: Connecting Aboriginal women to Country through local healing practices
Researchers: Christopher Sonn, Amy Quayle, Karen Jackson, Paola Balla
Partners: Eternal Earth Connections, Koling wada-ngal Committee at Wunggurrwil Dhurrung Centre
Many Aboriginal families in the west of Melbourne have unknown language-group identity, and unknown connection to Country. This research aims to help Aboriginal women understand the impacts of dispossession on identity and community, and strengthen cultural knowledge and connection to Country.
SDGs: 3 Good Health & Well Being | 5 Gender Equality | 10 Reduced Inequalities | 17 Partnerships for the Goal
VU staff from Moondani Balluk, photographed by Shuttermain
Title: Centring Indigenous peoples, standpoints and knowledges within planetary health
Researchers: Jillian Marsh, Clare Land, Paola Balla
This project will articulate the connection between Indigenous/Aboriginal knowledges and philosophies, and place-based planetary health. It will reflect Indigenous values and priorities, and define our understanding of climate change and climate action. The intention is to position Indigenous peoples and research in culturally safe and prominent roles as part of the core business of place-based planetary health.
SDGs: 10 Reduced Inequalities | 13 Climate Action | 16 Peace & Justice & Strong Institutions
