So that Indigenous male prisoners' viewpoints could be included in the outcomes of the convention, a workshop consisting of Indigenous male prisoners was conducted by ......................... at the Alice Springs Correctional Centre on Wednesday 29th September 99. The group was made up of men from Tiwi Islands, Port Keats, Barunga, Bulman, Lajamanu, Groote Eylandt, Ali Curung, Hermannsburg, Kintore, Yuendumu, Papunya, and Alice Springs.

Topics that were discussed included:

• The state of Indigenous men's health in Australia.
• Programs to help Indigenous men's health in prisons.
• Community programs and initiatives.
• Male roles in Aboriginal families.

THE STATE OF INDIGENOUS MEN'S HEALTH IN AUSTRALIA

The men agreed as a whole that health among Aboriginal males throughout Australia was very poor. They identified health problems including kidney disease, lung cancer, heart disease, mental health disorders, and general poor health. This was attributed to "too much grog", petrol sniffing, smoking tobacco and "dope", and not enough bush tucker and other healthy foods.

The group felt that more education was needed to develop an understanding of what affects alcohol and drug abuse, petrol sniffing, smoking tobacco and unhealthy eating has on an individual and the community as a whole. The men also wanted to see more Aboriginal Health Workers in their communities gaining valuable experience. Many of the men felt that they were losing a lot of their traditional values and this was contributing to poor health, and that learning more about culture was important in preventing this from happening.

PROGRAMS TO HELP MEN'S HEALTH IN PRISONS.

More sporting, fitness, and craft programs were needed in prisons to keep prisoners occupied and keep up their health. Art and music programs that developed talent and educated them on these industries are important, as the men stated boredom in communities was a contributing factor to substance abuse and domestic violence. The group also felt the need for programs that taught them more about health in general, covering topics from HIV / STD's, tobacco, drinking, illicit drugs, and petrol sniffing.

The men stated that education opportunities were needed for Aboriginal males to become health workers in prison. This would address cultural issues regarding female health workers being used at present.

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND INITIATIVES

The group felt that Aboriginal men were being neglected in their communities. They suggested that the setting up of a "Men's Centre" was one initiative that would address this issue. The centre would be a place where the men could gather and talk through issues concerning them and the community. Activities such as painting, recreational activities, and the facilitation of educational programs could be catered for at such a centre.

The men felt very strongly on this issue, as it was important in lifting self-esteem amongst indigenous males. Many of the men feel that they have no identity, and something needed to be done to break the cycle of indigenous male incarceration rates, youth suicide, and domestic violence.

As well as a "Men's Centre", the group suggested that a "Youth Centre" would benefit their communities also. The men said that young children as young as seven and eight years old were smoking dope and sniffing petrol on communities. Activities similar to those mentioned for the "men's Centre" could be implemented, and positive role models were needed to educate the children and talk of their life experiences.

MALE ROLES IN ABORIGINAL FAMILIES

The men felt that they should be better role models for their families by not drinking so much grog, and getting into trouble with the police. They said that indigenous males should be shown respect by their families, and that their wives should listen to them (when sober). The men should also show respect to the women. The men said that some women respect the man for what he does, not who he is. The group also felt that they should be sharing experiences with their families and educating them, not by what they say but by showing them a good example in their actions.

Workshop conducted and report produced by:  

For more information about the 1st Indigenous Male Health Convention, contact: