“Connection to culture is like a massive lifeline”: Yarning to further understand Young, Urban Aboriginal Perspectives and Experiences of Culture and Social and Emotional Wellbeing

Abstract

This research employed an Indigenous Research Paradigm to further understand Aboriginal perspectives of social and emotional wellbeing. A literature review gave insight into Aboriginal perceptions of social and emotional wellbeing programs and their associated success and failure factors. A subsequent Yarning study with urban Aboriginal youth found ongoing settler-colonialism created disconnections negatively impacting youth wellbeing. Conversely, engaging with Aboriginal cultural events and activities generated connections and positive wellbeing. Young people shared their strategies for cultural connection and made recommendations including more inclusive education systems, greater opportunities for handing down culture and not blaming Indigenous people for settler-colonial impacts.