Newsletter date: 18 April 2014
Contents:
* The Elders' Report into Preventing Indigenous Self-harm & Youth Suicide
* Culture is Life Campaign: Promoting community led solutions to Indigenous youth suicide
* Petition: Be Part of the Healing: Indigenous Youth Suicide Must End
* Gerry Georgatos, The Stringer: Elders across Australia say Governments need to listen to them on how to address youth suicide
* Audio regarding the Elders' Report [Includes 2SER, The Stringer on SoundCloud, NIRS, SBS News on SoundCloud & ABC]
* Video regarding the Elders' Report [Includes SBS & ABC]
* News regarding the Elders' Report [Includes The Greens, The Guardian, Rural Doctor, SMH, ABC & 9 News]
* Background to Suicide and Self-harm in Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Communities
* THE ELDERS' REPORT INTO PREVENTING INDIGENOUS SELF-HARM & YOUTH SUICIDE
- Elders' Report
The Elders' Report into Preventing Indigenous Self-harm & Youth Suicide
https://bepartofthehealing.org/EldersReport.pdf
https://bepartofthehealing.org/eldersreport/EldersReport_EMAIL.pdf
"REPORT SUMMARY
The Elders' Report into Preventing Indigenous Self-harm & Youth Suicide was produced between 2012 and 2014 by Indigenous led social justice organisation People Culture Environment in partnership with Our Generation Media. It was developed in response to a massive and unprecedented increase in Indigenous youth self-harm and suicide that has occurred over the past 20 years across Australia’s Top End. Over this 20 year period the incidence of youth suicide in these communities went from being an extremely rare phenomenon, to one where the rate of Indigenous youth suicide is now the highest in the world. ... " Max Dulumunmun Harrison, Yuin (NSW); Chair, People Culture Environment; Director, Culture is Life
* CULTURE IS LIFE CAMPAIGN: PROMOTING COMMUNITY LED SOLUTIONS TO INDIGENOUS YOUTH SUICIDE
- Campaign homepage
Culture is Life: Promoting community led solutions to Indigenous youth suicide
http://www.cultureislife.org/
"The rate of youth suicide in Indigenous Australia is now the highest in the world. Indigenous Elders are calling for support to help them heal their communities. This is their campaign. Please watch the campaign video, and share the campaign and The Elders Report with your social networks."
- Campaign Video
Vimeo: Be Part of the Healing from Culture Is Life
http://vimeo.com/91572208
10 Apr 14: "For more information, visit bepartofthehealing.org
Produced by Our Generation Media ( ourgenerationmedia.org )"
Culture Is Life on Vimeo
http://vimeo.com/cultureislifevideo
"Culture Is Life is an Indigenous Elders led campaign to put an end to the high rates of youth suicide and self harm amongst Indigenous communities in Australia. For more information, visit our website cultureislife.org "
* PETITION: BE PART OF THE HEALING: INDIGENOUS YOUTH SUICIDE MUST END
- Petition
Be Part of the Healing: Indigenous Youth Suicide Must End
Join us in calling on the Government to support and promote community-led healing to end Indigenous suicide.
http://www.bepartofthehealing.org/
"Almost non-existent 30 years ago, the rate of youth suicide and self-harm in Indigenous communities across Australia is now the highest in the world. Urgent action is desperately needed to address this crisis. Current mainstream efforts by Government policy makers and health and social services are not working, nor are they empowering communities to implement their own solutions. Indigenous community leaders and Elders are calling for your support to help them heal their young people, by reconnecting them to their culture, and strengthening their sense of identity. ... "
* GERRY GEORGATOS, THE STRINGER: ELDERS ACROSS AUSTRALIA SAY GOVERNMENTS NEED TO LISTEN TO THEM ON HOW TO ADDRESS YOUTH SUICIDE
- Analysis / Opinion
The Stringer: Elders across Australia say Governments need to listen to them on how to address youth suicide
http://thestringer.com.au/elders-across-australia-say-governments-need-t...
15 Apr 14: "Thirty Elders from across northern and central Australia are calling on Government to recognise cultural and regional identities, differences, and norms if the rising rates of youth suicide are to be stopped. The Elders said that Governments need to redirect funds from the litany of failed non-Aboriginal run policies to cultural and regional run programs - managed only by First Peoples. ... Today, the Culture is Life organisation launched the Elders Report into Preventing Indigenous Self-harm and Youth Suicide. This morning, I myself, as a researcher on premature and unnatural deaths and suicide, who has been using the complement of my journalism to advocate for an end to the suicide crises plaguing this nation, presented the report to Federal Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Nigel Scullion." By Gerry Georgatos, a life-long human rights and social justice campaigner, a multi-award winning investigative journalist
* AUDIO REGARDING THE ELDERS' REPORT [INCLUDES 2SER, THE STRINGER ON SOUNDCLOUD, NIRS, SBS NEWS ON SOUNDCLOUD & ABC]
- Audio
2SER: Report calls for Indigenous Elders to lead the way addressing
http://www.2ser.com/component/k2/item/8428-report-calls-for-indigenous-e...
"Suicide remains the leading cause of the death for Australians aged between 15 and 44, but Indigenous Australians in this age group are at particularly high risk. The Elders' Report into Preventing Indigenous Self-harm & Youth Suicide calls for indigenous elders to lead the way in addressing this epidemic. Professor Pat Dudgeon, co-chair of the Aboriginal Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Advisory Group, joined us on air this morning."
The Stringer on SoundCloud: Culture is Life coordinator Peter McConchie
https://soundcloud.com/the-stringer/culture-is-life-coordinator
The Stringer on SoundCloud: Central Desert Elder David Cole, "It must be our people"
https://soundcloud.com/the-stringer/central-desert-elder-david-2
The Stringer on SoundCloud: Gerry Georgatos and Elder David Cole - "we had to find a word for suicide"
https://soundcloud.com/the-stringer/gerry-georgatos-and-elder
The Stringer on SoundCloud: Central Desert Elder David Cole on suicide prevention
https://soundcloud.com/the-stringer/central-desert-elder-david-1
The Stringer on SoundCloud: Central Desert Elder David Cole on youth suicides
https://soundcloud.com/the-stringer/central-desert-elder-david
NIRS: Call for cultural strength to reduce suicides
http://nirs.org.au/blog/NEWS/article/33392/Call-for-cultural-strength-to...
15 Apr 14: "An anti-suicide campaigner says restoring peoples' cultural identity is crucial to reducing the First Nations youth suicide rate, as a new report on the issue is released today. The Elders Report into Preventing Indigenous Self-harm and Youth Suicide, sponsored by the Culture is Life organisation, canvasses 30 Elders from across central and northern Australia. It includes contributions from Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda and Indigenous mental health expert Professor Pat Dudgeon. ... " By Gerry Georgatos
NIRS: Report takes in elders' views on youth suicide
http://nirs.org.au/blog/NEWS/article/33395/Report-takes-in-elders%27-vie...
15 Apr 14: "The Elders' Report into Preventing Suicide and Self Harm has been released today. The report, an initiative of the Culture is Life organisation, canvassed thirty Elders across northern and central Australia on the suicide crisis. Central Desert Elder David Cole says twenty years ago, suicides of First Peoples made up only five per cent of all suicides, but today they make up more than 50 per cent in the Northern Territory. ... " By Gerry Georgatos
SBS News on SoundCloud: Elders seek new approach to youth suicide prevention
https://soundcloud.com/sbsnews/elders-seek-new-approach-to-youth-suicide...
"Tormented by youth suicide rates in their communities up to 100 times the national average, a group of Indigenous elders has united to save a generation. Hoping to tackle the alarming rate of Indigenous youth suicide, the elders have launched a campaign lobbying the Federal Government for a new approach. Gary Cox and Murray Silby reports."
ABC Kimberley: Mornings with Vanessa Mills
http://blogs.abc.net.au/wa/2014/04/the-voice-of-elders-needs-to-be-heard...
15 Apr 14: "Did you grow up with the mantra "listen to your Elders" or "Respect your Elders"? For a myriad of reasons that moral value has diminished in our society. There's a particular chasm in the role that Aboriginal Elders play in their communities, which is linked the the loss of country, culture and connection, and so intrinsic to both the heirachy and sense of self. 31 Elders from across northern Australia (7 from the Kimberley) have voiced their concern about the high rate of suicide and self harm amongst Aboriginal youth. Derby's Lorna Hudson is one of the Elders in the report who were asked for their thoughts on the cause and the solutions."
ABC AM: Aboriginal elders report on youth suicide
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-04-15/aboriginal-elders-report-on-youth-...
http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2014/s3985536.htm
15 Apr 14: "In a new report Aboriginal elders from across Northern and Central Australia speak candidly about the rising rates of youth suicide in their communities. They say government funded suicide prevention programs are based on good intentions but are failing to protect their young people. The elders argue that young people can build self esteem by going on camps to learn more about their own culture." Brendan Trembath
* VIDEO REGARDING THE ELDERS' REPORT [INCLUDES SBS & ABC]
- Videos
SBS News: Indigenous Elders launch campaign to tackle youth suicide
http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2014/04/15/indigenous-elders-launch-c...
15 & 16 Apr 14: "In some remote communities in the Kimberley, youth suicide rates have reached 100 times the national average. Aboriginal Elders are now taking their fight to tackle the problem all the way to Canberra. ... Aboriginal Elders from across Australia have united to tackle the alarming rate of Indigenous youth suicide. The Elders have written a report and launched a campaign to lobby Canberra for a new approach they hope could save a generation." By Gary Cox, Reporter and producer, SBS World News
Gary Cox - SBS News
http://www.sbs.com.au/news/author/gary-cox
"Gary is a SBS video journalist and producer, who has worked as a correspondent in more than a dozen countries, reporting from the field on issues ranging from Egypt's revolution to youth homelessness in Australia. ... "
ABC 7pm TV News NT: Elders blame loss of cultural identity for rise of Indigenous youth suicides
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-04-15/elders-blame-loss-of-cultural-iden...
16 Apr 14: "Aboriginal elders in northern Australia say a loss of cultural identity is one of the main reasons behind rising Indigenous youth suicide rates." Michael Coggan
ABC Lateline: Action needed on Indigenous youth suicide
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-04-15/action-needed-on-indigenous-youth-...
15 Apr 14: "Elders from communities across the Top End of Australia are calling for help to address shocking rates of suicide among young people in remote communities." Michael Coggan
* NEWS REGARDING THE ELDERS' REPORT [INCLUDES THE GREENS, THE GUARDIAN, RURAL DOCTOR, SMH, ABC & 9NEWS]
- News
The Greens: Investments in community programs vital to address suicide rates
http://greens.org.au/node/4300
"The Australian Greens are calling on the Federal Government to support community driven and delivered programs to address self harm and youth suicide, saying that funding for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical and mental health services must be protected from cuts in the upcoming budget. "Today's Elders' Report Into Preventing Indigenous Self-harm & Youth Suicide is promoting community led solutions to suicide, with a focus on helping young people connect with their culture," Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens spokesperson on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues said today. "The report highlights the importance of culture and cultural connections in reducing suicide and building strength in the community. ... "
The Guardian: Indigenous suicide at 'crisis' numbers after youth lose their cultural identity
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/15/indigenous-suicide-at-crisi...
15 Apr 14: "The loss of cultural identity is a major factor in explaining the high rate of suicide among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and the government should focus on a more "community-centred approach" involving local elders to address the "crisis proportions" of Indigenous suicides, says a new report. The report features interviews with 30 elders throughout Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland and documents their solutions to prevent self-harm, particularly among younger Indigenous Australians, as part of the Culture is Life campaign." Oliver Laughland, a journalist for Guardian Australia
Rural Doctor: Child suicide rising in Indigenous communities
http://www.ruraldr.com.au/news/child-suicide-rising-in-indigenous-commun...
16 Apr 14: "Child suicide is becoming an increasing concern in Indigenous communities, according to a shocking new report that says even children as young as 10 are taking their own lives.
The Elders’ Report into Preventing Indigenous Self Harm and Suicide released on Tuesday shows that suicide and self-harm has risen dramatically in the past 20 years among Indigenous Australians. In 1991 just 5% of suicides in NT involved Aboriginal people – this had risen to 50% by 2010. ... " Ruby Prosser Scully
SMH: Culture is key to tackling suicide epidemic, elders say
http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/culture-is-key-to-...
14 Apr 14: "Indigenous elders should be put in charge of arresting an epidemic of youth suicide in Aboriginal communities, according to a report to be released on Tuesday. The report, based on interviews with more than 30 elders from communities in northern and central Australia, calls for suicide prevention funding to be directed to elders to help young people connect with their land and culture. "Culture has become life-giving medicine for our people, closing the wounds of the past and standing us strong to face the future," Pat Dudgeon, ... " Dan Harrison, Health and Indigenous Affairs Correspondent for Fairfax Media; based in Canberra
ABC News: Aboriginal elders lament loss of culture as Indigenous youth suicides rise
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-04-15/aboriginal-elders-report-on-youth-...
15 Apr 14: "Aboriginal elders in northern Australia say a loss of cultural identity is one of the main reasons for rising Indigenous youth suicide rates. The elders have outlined their views on the issue in a new publication. Two years of consultation has gone into the elders' report into Preventing Indigenous Self-harm and Youth Suicide. The report, released today, has interviews with 31 elders and community representatives. The suicide rate of young Indigenous people in the north of Australia has been rising for the past 20 years and is now claimed to be the highest in the world. ... "
9 News: Culture could save lives: elders
http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/2014/04/15/11/50/culture-could-save-...
15 Apr 14: "The Elders Report into Preventing Indigenous Self-harm and Youth Suicide, released on Tuesday, has called for federal and state governments to support teaching culture to young people by funding programs and equipment such as four-wheel drives and camping gear. Dean Gooda, from Fitzroy Crossing in WA, warns that outsiders should not be driving suicide prevention programs. "We end up with ideas on suicide prevention that come from Canberra and bear no resemblance to what is needed in the community and on the ground," he said."
* BACKGROUND TO SUICIDE AND SELF-HARM IN ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER COMMUNITIES:
Last updated: 7 April 2014
http://indymedia.org.au/2013/08/13/background-to-suicide-and-self-harm-i...
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