Workshop/Workbook 8

Question 1

What are the Bessarab principles for working with Aboriginal people?

Answer 1

These principles continue the process of healing and further the work of reconciliation of Aboriginal people

• Colonisation: Aboriginal people’s self-determination and self-esteem disintegrated as a result of colonisation and marginalisation in their own country, and
  they became a problem to be solved
• Legistlative history: Protection policies (e.g. Aboriginies Act 1905) were an assault on the lives of Aboriginal families and communities, which
  touched every aspect of their lives
• Aboriginal terms of reference (cultural meanings): terms which encompass the cultural knowledge, understanding and experiences that are associated with a commitment to Aboriginal ways of thinking, working and reflecting. They incorporate specific and implicit cultural values, beliefs and priorities from which Aboriginal standards are derived. Those working with Aboriginal people need to acknowledge the reality of Aboriginal systems of meaning, particularly for those who have survived the stolen generation

Question 2

What is a family to Aboriginal people? What are the different types of families?

Answer 2

Family: a system of kinship and relationships (kinship being loosely defined as a confederation of family groups or large groups of kin related people). Kin does not necessarily mean blood relation

Types:

• Nuclear family: consisting of only parents and their children (can include single parent families)
• Extended family: at least three generations of a family living together
• Compound family: contains a diversity of relatives (e.g. one family may include a husband and wife, and the wife’s brother and nephews)
• Grandparent family: common amongst Aboriginal families, this is when the grandparents of a child rear them when their own parents are unable to

Question 3

What is the bird’s eye view model?

Answer 3

The bird’s eye view model shows the connections that need to be considered when working with Aboriginal families or individuals to determine the influence and impact that they might have on the family’s or individual’s world view and belief system

From centre outwards:

• Individual
• Nuclear family
• Extended family
• Aboriginal community
• Government/non-government agencies
• Mainstream community

Question 4

What does widening your lens mean?

Answer 4

Being able to look at a situation or a problem from different perspectives to try to understand how someone is feeling or acting, in order to show empathy and understanding

Question 5

What is the stages of change model?

Answer 5

The stages of change model can help to determine the position someone is in, in terms of their readiness to change

1. Pre-contemplation
   - not thinking seriously about changing
   - defend their current behavioural patterns
   - do not see their behaviour as a problem
2. Contemplation
   - begin considering to change their behaviour but they may have mixed feelings about taking the next step.
   - at this stage people decide whether to revert to the pre-contemplation stage or whether they are serious about behaviour change
3. Preparation
   - planning concrete steps for change.
   - sees the ‘cons’ of continuing as outweighing the ‘pros’. They are usually taking some small steps towards changing behaviour
   - believe that change is necessary and that the time for change is near
4. Action
   - actively involved in taking steps to change their behaviour and making steps towards significant change.
5. Maintenance
   - able to successfully avoid any temptations to return to health risk behaviour
   - have learned to anticipate and handle temptations, are able to employ new ways of coping.