Whether you're from community, migrated from overseas or were born here but have cultural roots elsewhere, maintaining cultural identity provides us with a sense of belonging, purpose and connection to home. It can help keep our social and emotional wellbeing strong during challenging times and provide us with strategies on how to cope in stressful situations.
Our social and emotional wellbeing is complex and has many different parts that contribute to keeping ourselves strong. These include connections to:
Keeping our wellbeing strong means taking time to do things that we enjoy and keep our body healthy.
(Image source: Transforming Indigenous Mental Health and Wellbeing)
How we connect to our culture and strengthen our spirit will look different for everyone. Below is a few ideas for you to think about on how you might go about connecting with this important part of your wellbeing.
Eat food from your homelands or try new foods
For some, food will carry memories of home and family through smells and taste, which can be comforting during tough times.
Consider trying a family recipe or researching online to find a flavour that best reminds you of home.
This is also a great way to get people together and share your culture with others!
Feed your spirit
Spiritual practices, such as prayer or sharing Dreamtime stories (where appropriate), play an important role in keeping strong. Scheduling this time out in your day/week or recognising religious dates of significance can be helpful in keeping your spiritual self strong.
If you're going through a tough time, consider speaking to an Elder or spiritual advisor that you trust. You can also seek out mental health support where appropriate.
Be part of your community
Community events are often a great opportunity for people to come together and are generally accessible. Local councils and organisations will often advertise upcoming events in community calendars or social media pages, so be on the look out!
You could also consider getting involved with your local multicultural community group. You can find a list of multicultural community groups across the NT here.
Be proud of your culture!
Find opportunities to speak your native language, whether that's teaching your colleagues words in the workplace or out in the community amongst friends.
Watching TV series or movies (where accessible) from your home country can also facilitate connections to your culture and exercise your ability to speak and understand language.
A different way to express yourself
Every culture has many activities that are specific to their way of life. Some examples include weaving, hunting or coming together in recognition of significant dates.
Another example is the art of dance. It's a way to share stories, connect and celebrate. These could be learned through shared knowledge or by attending classes in the community. It's also a great way to look after your physical health!
Formed in 1997 with early foundations on being one of Australia’s 8 Trauma informed specialist agencies, Melaleuca Australia is a specialist organisation that supports humanitarian entrants, migrants and people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds of all ages, settling in the Northern Territory (NT) of Australia, through the provision of a suite of specialist services.
Multicultural Council of the Northern Territory (MCNT) is the peak body in the Northern Territory that advocates for and provides direct services to individuals, families and communities from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds in the Northern Territory.
MCSCA is a service provider for migrants and refugees, a welcoming place for people who choose to settle in Central Australia, and a peak body leading, representing and supporting multicultural communities in this region.
WellMob brings together online resources made by and for mob. Here you will find websites, apps, podcasts, videos, helplines, social media and online programs all with a focus on social and emotional wellbeing.
Embrace aims to strengthen the cultural responsiveness and inclusivity of Australia’s mental health and suicide prevention services.
They provide multicultural communities with access to resources, links to services and translated information on mental health.
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