Ten years on from an historic apology made to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the moment is being reflected upon as a turning point in Australian psychology.
On 15 September 2016 the Australian Psychological Society (APS) acknowledged and apologised for psychology’s role in contributing to the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the erosion of culture.
The formal apology recognised that the profession had not worked in ways which respected Indigenous knowledges, perspectives and experiences.
Professor Pat Dudgeon AM, Director of the Boorn Centre (Kwop Boorn Djenara*) at The University of Western Australia and co-chair of the APS Indigenous Psychology Taskforce, delivered the keynote address before the apology was delivered in 2016 and said this week it had been a significant moment for both the APS and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“We called all the Indigenous people in the conference to the stage so they would be a part of it,” Professor Dudgeon said. “It was quite an historical and very emotional moment.
“I think it signified a turning point in Australian psychology, and we were delighted to be a part of that.”
Image: Professor Pat Dudgeon
Professor Dudgeon said more action was needed to continue to create positive change in the psychology discipline.
“The important next step is for the Australian Psychological Society to move into an advanced reconciliation action plan,” she said. “Racism, in particular, is very blatant and intense for our peoples. As psychologists and as the Australian Psychological Society that is where we need to put the work in.”
Dr Leda Barnett, vice co-chair of the Australian Indigenous Psychologists Association (AIPA), agreed that while progress had been made – particularly towards honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge and Indigenous psychology within the broader discipline – more needed to be done.
Dr Barnett said genuine co-design and partnerships with Indigenous communities was fundamental to driving change in the psychology discipline.
“Communities know what works for them – psychologists need to be willing to listen, to support, and most importantly, to learn,” she said.
See the full media release here.
*Kwop Boorn Djenara at UWA is a continuation of the Centre of Best Practice in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention, combining the work of the Transforming Indigenous Mental Health and Wellbeing Project.