Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Therapists are bringing time-honoured cultural education and healing therapies to patients at Princess Alexandra Hospital, with a bi-monthly Medicine Gathering event held at the campus Atrium.
Offering a range of therapeutic and medicinal services, cultural education, music and art therapy, therapists work hand-in-hand with the hospital’s health services to tie together ancient and modern healing methods in a welcoming environment.
Kuku Yalanji woman and Facilitator/Artist, Lalania Tusa (pictured), who facilitates interactive cultural education and art therapy sessions throughout Queensland, says the focus of the sessions goes beyond physical healing.
“I saw the need for holistic healing and for our mob to be connected with their cultural ties,” she said.
“I find that through art, and learning about the different uses of our artefacts, tools, instruments, hunting and gathering, and all our art practices, our connection to land and sea – I find doing different activities keeps your hands busy, but also fills your mind, your spirit, and your soul with all that you need when it comes to your cultural connections, as well.”
Joining the PAH event for the fourth time last week, Lalania says the hospital environment offers a unique opportunity to transcend cultural barriers for indigenous patients.
“Places like here at the hospital are amazing, where we’re able to bring in our cultural healing and our ways of doing things. It’s all part of that holistic approach for our mob, both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander.”
While indigenous engagement and healing is central to the event, Lalania encourages people of all backgrounds to engage with the sessions.
“I run workshops with whoever wants to be informed with an understanding and an appreciation of First Nations culture,” she said.
“When you can understand the history of our country and the impacts on our people, you can understand why we do what we do today.”
For information on upcoming events, contact atsicoordination@health.qld.gov.au.