The Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Declaration provides a framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership in mental health and suicide prevention.
Gayaa Dhuwi is a companion declaration to the Wharerātā Declaration.
Gayaa Dhuwi was launched by the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership in Mental Health (NATSILMH) on 27 August 2015.
Implementation and governance
To discuss Gaaya Dhuwi Implementation and the Indigenous Governance Framework, the Centre of Best Practice in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention (CBPATSISP) and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership in Mental Health (NATSILMH) jointly hosted a workshop in Brisbane with the support of the Commission on 14 November 2018.
The workshop was attended by service providers and leaders from the public health system, community organisations and primary health networks. Facilitated by Professor Kerry Arabena it was the first of a series of workshops to be hosted in each jurisdiction over coming months.
The workshop demonstrated that organisations across the Queensland mental health system have responsibilities towards and can contribute to improving the mental health and wellbeing of Queensland's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and reduce suicide rates in the short- to medium-term.
The workshop also demonstrated this can be achieved by supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander presence, leadership and governance at all levels of the mental health system; and by working to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, families and individuals to access the best of community-based clinical care, cultural healing, and treatment options.
The Brisbane workshop report has been endorsed and copies will be sent to service leaders.
Copies of the guiding documents can also be accessed at NATSILMH.
- Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Declaration - A companion declaration to the Wharerātā Declaration for use by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- Health in Culture - Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Declaration Implementation Guide. A comprehensive guide for governments and organisations across the mental health system to implementing the Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Declaration as per Article 12.3 of the Fifth National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan
- Indigenous Governance for Suicide Prevention in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities. An in-depth discussion of the principles and importance of Indigenous governance in the context of suicide prevention programs and services and of their evaluation
Gayaa Dhuwi development
At the request of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander wellbeing leaders, in Queensland, we played a role in the development and promotion of the Gayaa Dhuwi.
Our shared aim was to:
- create an environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders and communities can advocate for the principles of the declaration
- support the Queensland Government to value the presence and visibility of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership across all parts of the system.
Recognising that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership is a key principle for improving social and emotional wellbeing, Gayaa Dhuwi is acknowledged in Shifting minds: Queensland Mental Health Alcohol and Other Drugs Strategic Plan 2018-2023.
Pleadge support
Organisations and individuals can pledge support for Gayaa Dhuwi as a first step in:
- supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership in mental health and suicide prevention
- helping close the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional wellbeing gap.
