Contextualizing mental health nursing encounters in Australian remote Aboriginal communities: part 2, client encounters and interviews

[Extract] Knowledge of the history and oppression of Australian Aboriginal people and of their culture, beliefs, and customs is essential to the delivery of culturally competent mental health services. Before an encounter with a client occurs, there is a depth of information needed to facilitate the nurse's ability to interact with clients and communities. Last month's column provided detailed information of Aboriginal people's history and customs. A synopsis of that information is given here. The Missions and Reserves, on which Aboriginal Australians lived, were set up by government and church officials and were total institutions that subjected Aboriginal individuals to a life of historical injustices and suffering. While living on Aboriginal stations, many people experienced forced confinement; medical and household inspections; the imposition of strict religious observance and discipline; separation from, and removal of, their children; the breakdown of traditional values; and the banning of their languages and cultural practices. The resulting distrust of government and church officials carries over to mental health personnel