Prof Pat Dudgeon, National Mental Health Commissioner, says that: ‘Indigenous culture has for a long time had a holistic understanding of mental health’:
‘Within this are concepts of the cultural importance of the connection between the mind and body as well as the land, ancestors and other spiritual connections…. What I admire most in my family and all the communities is Aboriginal people’s great resilience and generosity of spirit, not only to their own people but to everyone. Despite a terrible history that is still very close for Australia’s Indigenous people, this spirit of generosity and resilience are something to celebrate and acknowledge.’
