Australian Catholic University Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander People Discussion Case Study: Mary is 62-year-old Torres Strait Islander women who is m

Australian Catholic University Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander People Discussion Case Study:

Mary is 62-year-old Torres Strait Islander women who is married to John, a 66-year-old Torres Strait Islander man. Mary and John are Muralag people of Waibene also known as Thursday Island where they have raised their six children on country.

Mary and John are respected elders, who are engaged in all aspects of their community. Mary is an active member in the community health service board and the local high school board. John has been a land rights activist and continues his engagement with the local land’s council. Both Mary and John also have individual commitments to Men’s and Women’s business. Their commitment to their own community provides Mary and John with a sense of independence and empowerment.

Despite their local commitments to community, Mary and John are also raising three of their grandchildren. This is due to their daughter and son-in-law (Jada and Will) being unable to secure employment on their homeland. Jada and Will have had to travel across to North-Queensland, away from their mob for the summer months to secure employment and earn some money for their family. Mary has always considered herself the matriarch of the family and although she enjoys having her grandchildren in her home, she has started to feel overwhelmed by her responsibilities and commitments.

Mary and John take their youngest granddaughter Rumi to her first day of preschool, when submitting the enrolment paperwork, the administrator questions why they have indicated that Rumi is of Torres Strait Islander descent, stating that she has fair skin. Rumi tugs on grandmother’s dress and whispers in her ear, why is she (the administrator) being so mean.

Exam Question Total Marks

1. 1a. This case study provides an example of self-determination. Why is self-determination significant to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. (5 marks)
1b. How does self -determination effect the social & emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people? (10 marks)

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2. 2a. List and briefly describe the social determinants of health experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. (5 marks) 2b. Discuss three determinants that directly affect Mary and John. (10 marks)

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3. Mary and John may be reluctant to bring their grandchildren into a mainstream health service. Describe two (2) historical events that could have contributed to Mary’s and John’s reluctance to access mainstream health services.

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4. Aboriginal Land Rights councils, Aboriginal Medical Services, and the Healing Foundation are examples of self-determination, having been created by and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Discuss how these or other similar organisations improve the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.

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5. Reflecting on Mary’s encounter with the preschool administrator and similar shared experiences by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Discuss how this experience could affect Mary’s future ability to access and use services provided by Institutions such as Government agencies and health services?

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6. Mary and her granddaughter, Rumi, were questioned about their personal connection to each other and about Rumi’s legitimacy as a Torres Strait Islander person. Discuss this situation in relation to cultural safety principles. Include in your discussion, how identity is acknowledged among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

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