Abstract
The aim of this chapter is to present a framework for Indigenous health based in acknowledgment of biophilia (commitment to the fundamental principle of the importance of nature) and the Ancient Wisdoms of Indigenous Elders (both discussed in the previous chapter). The chapter first discusses a respectful appreciation and deeper understanding of Indigenous culture before presenting a reinterpretation of the Old people’s knowledge and wisdom for contemporary society through six Ls (Lore, Love, Look, Listen, Learn, Lead [or Leave alone]).
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References
Askew DA, Brady K, Mukandi B, Singh D, Sinha T, Brough M, Bond CJ (2020) Closing the gap between rhetoric and practice in strengths approaches to Indigenous public health: a qualitative study. Aust N Z J Public Health 44(2):102–105
Bangamalhanha Centre, Regional Aboriginal education team, Department of Education (2024). https://www.8ways.online/our-protocol. Western NSW. NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation
Blair N, Collins-Gearing B (2017) Reflective practice: Ancient Wisdom and Practice—Australian Indigenous reflections in teacher education through shared storying. In: Reflective theory and practice in teacher education. Springer, Singapore, pp 63–83
Callaghan P, Gordon P (2014) Iridescence: finding your colours and living your story. Moshpit Publishing, Hazelbrook
Callaghan P, Gordon P (2022) The dreaming path. Pantera, Neutral Bay
Chant L (2013) Hauora Kotahitanga. Maori health experiences as models for co-operative co-existence between indigenous and non-indigenous peoples. Doctoral dissertation ResearchSpace@ Auckland
Foronda C (2008) Cultural sensitivity: a concept analysis. J Transcult Nurs 19(3):207–212
Hasluck P (1953) Native welfare in Australia. Patterson Brokensha, Perth
Jackson Pulver L, Williams M, Fitzpatrick S (2019) Social determinants of Australia’s First Peoples health: a multi-level empowerment perspective. In: Social determinants of health. Oxford University Press
Karulkiyalu, Country, Gordon P, Spillman D (2021) Embracing country as teacher in outdoor and environmental education. In Thomas G, Dyment J, Prince H (eds.) Outdoor environmental education in higher education, (9): 215–224. Springer
Kennedy A, Sehgal A, Szabo J, McGowan K, Lindstrom G, Roach P, Crowshoe L, Barnabe C (2022) Indigenous strengths-based approaches to healthcare and health professions education—recognising the value of Elders’ teachings. Health Educ J 81(4):423–438. https://doi.org/10.1177/00178969221088921
Kennedy A, McGowan K, El-Hussein M (2023) Indigenous Elders’ wisdom and dominionization in higher education: barriers and facilitators to decolonisation and reconciliation. Int J Incl Educ 27(1):89–106
Lock MJ, Hartz D, Martin R, et al. (2019) An aboriginal cultural safety and security framework: improving aboriginal health outcomes through culturally safe and secure mainstream healthcare governance and practice. Port Macquarie, NSW, Australia: Mid North Coast Local Health District and the Mid North Coast Aboriginal Health Authority
Phelan P (2021) Aboriginal fields of practice, edited by Bindi Bennett. Bloomsbury Publishing
Porter T, Schumann K (2018) Intellectual humility and openness to the opposing view. Self Identity 17(2):139–162
Prehn J, Krakouer J, Fernando T, Phelan P, Russ-Smith J, Wheeler A (2021) Aboriginal fields of practice. Bloomsbury Publishing
Ritchie J (2014) Learning from the wisdom of elders. In: Research in early childhood education for sustainability: International perspectives and provocations. Routledge, pp 49–60
Rose DB (2011) Wild dog dreaming: love and extinction. University of Virginia Press
Stavridis S (2023) An evaluation of the factors affecting the success of an Indigenous Community based healthcare clinic: The Hands on Health Australia’s Community Clinic, and its program—Aboriginal Health in Aboriginal Hands, at the Fitzroy Stars Football and Netball Club. Master of Science (Research) dissertation. School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, College of Science, Engineering and Health, RMIT University
Stubbe DE (2020) Practicing cultural competence and cultural humility in the care of diverse patients. Focus 18(1):49–51
Tervalon M, Murray-Garcia J (1998) Cultural humility versus cultural competence: a critical distinction in defining physician training outcomes in multicultural education. J Health Care Poor Underserved 9(2):117–125
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. (2015). Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, Volume One: Summary: Honouring the Truth, Reconciling for the Future. James Lorimer & Company
Ungunmerr MR (2017) To be listened to in her teaching: Dadirri: Inner deep listening and quiet still awareness. EarthSong J: Perspect Ecol Spirit Edu 3(4):14–15
United Nations (2007) Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Available at: http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/documents/DRIPS_en.pdf
Vindigni D (2004) Promoting the musculoskeletal Health of Indigenous Australians Living in Rural Communities. Aboriginal Health in Aboriginal communities. Doctoral thesis
Vindigni D, Polus B, Edgecombe G, Howard M, van Rotterdam J, Redpath F, Ellen E (2009) The STTEP: a model for musculoskeletal health care in marginalized communities. J Altern Complement Med 15(8):885–890
Vindigni D, Polus B, van Rotterdam J, da Costa C, Edgecombe G, Walsh M, Howard M, Bromwell T, Biasbas A, Cohen M, Patterson C (2011) The sustainable training, treatment, employment program model: effects of manual therapy on musculoskeletal pain and limitation in a Filipino squatter community. J Manip Physiol Ther 34(6):381–387
Williams R (1999) Cultural safety—what does it mean for our work practice? Aust N Z J Public Health 23(2):213–214
World Health Organization (WHO) (2017) Health is a fundamental human right. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/commentaries/detail/health-is-a-fundamental-human-right
Yeager KA, Bauer-Wu S (2013) Cultural humility: essential foundation for clinical researchers. Appl Nurs Res 26(4):251–256
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2025 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Vindigni OAM, D., Callaghan, U.P., Gordon, U.P. (2025). An Ancient Indigenous Wisdoms Framework. In: Jones, S., Vindigni, OAM, D. (eds) Health and Healthcare in Complexity. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-96-0515-6_12
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-96-0515-6_12
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Singapore
Print ISBN: 978-981-96-0514-9
Online ISBN: 978-981-96-0515-6
eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)