The Impact of European Settlement
European settlement has made a huge impact on Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander engagement in communities. Colonialization led to the loss of traditional land and cultural practices. This has had a major impact on community engagement. It has caused many Indigenous people to lose their culture and disconnection from their ancestral ways of living (Altman 2018). Additionally, the high levels of poverty and disadvantage experienced by Indigenous communities have made it difficult for many to fully participate in community life (Altman & Hinkson, 2018). Another factor has been the ongoing impacts of intergenerational trauma, including the forced removal of Indigenous children from their families (the “Stolen Generations”) and the effects of this trauma on subsequent generations (Altman & Hinkson, 2018). This has contributed to high rates of mental health issues and substance abuse within Indigenous communities, which can further hinder their ability to engage in community life (Altman & Hinkson, 2018).Cont…