Exercise and Kidney Function in Care of Older Adults
Indigenous spirituality and cultural knowledges provide strength and resilience to Aboriginal people with chronic kidney disease
Indigenous spirituality and cultural knowledges provide strength and resilience to Aboriginal people with chronic kidney disease
Main message:
This article shares how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia use spirituality, cultural knowledge, and connection to land and community to stay strong while living with chronic kidney disease.
Key Points:
- Spiritual Strength: For Aboriginal people, the spirit (called Wannapi, Miwi, or Tuwila depending on the language group) is a vital part of their health, just as important as the body or mind.
- Connection to Country: Being on their traditional lands (called Yarta or Ruwi) helps Aboriginal people heal spiritually and feel connected to their ancestors and identity.
- Cultural Practices: Using traditional practices, speaking their languages, and sharing stories (e.g., through “Yarning”) gives strength and resilience during illness.
- Systemic Barriers: Mainstream healthcare often overlooks the spiritual and cultural needs of Aboriginal patients. Racism and a lack of cultural understanding can make treatment harder to access or navigate.
- Patient Advocacy: Leaders like Nari Sinclair (a kidney patient and advocate) worked hard to improve kidney care for Aboriginal communities, sharing her story and helping others feel heard and supported.
Holistic Care: True healing includes emotional, spiritual, and cultural safety, not just medical treatment. The article calls for healthcare systems to listen deeply and create culturally safe environments.
Conclusion
Aboriginal people living with kidney disease face unique challenges, but their culture and spirituality offer powerful sources of strength and healing. The article urges the healthcare system to respect these values and work in partnership with Aboriginal communities.