Aurora Abraham has joined the Rural Clinical School of WA (RCSWA) in the newly created role of Indigenous Cultural Engagement Officer.
The Noongar cultural educator and artist is familiar with the medical training sector, having previously engaged healthcare professionals in roles with Joint Colleges Training Services (JCTS) and the former Western Australian General Practice Education and Training (WAGPET).
Aurora is a welcome addition to RCSWA’s Reconciliation Action Committee and will be helping build new and existing relationships with Elders and Cultural Custodians while linking students and staff with Reconciliation and cultural educational opportunities.
Aurora said she had travelled out on Country and listened to many Elders talk about needing healthy and strong communities.
“The (health and life expectancy) gap is not closing in their eyes. There’s still so much to do,” she said.
“Health professionals need to be resourced with best practice knowledge in providing holistic and culturally safe care.
“For me, it’s about listening to community at the grassroots and doing whatever I can to create change and healing.”
Aurora also promotes truth-telling and healing through her art and has painted several works for government and private clients.
She said she recognised her artistic gift as a young child, when she showed her painting called Stolen about the Stolen Generation to a family friend, Uncle Syd Jackson.
“I didn’t know then that Uncle Syd was part of the Stolen Generation," she said. "It was the first time I noticed my art had an emotional effect on someone. It was such an eye opener for me.
“He bought the painting from me and now it’s displayed at the Roelands Aboriginal Mission where he was taken as a child.”
Aurora said Reconciliation and healing from past trauma were possible if more people were open to learning and understanding and respecting Country and culture.
“I like to learn something new every day. I also hope by sharing my knowledge, others will learn too,” she said.
Visit our Reconciliation Journey webpage for more information.
Image: Aurora Abraham