Assumptions of the tertiary education sector for teaching First Nations health courses

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health courses develop the cultural capacity and capability of undergraduate health professionals; however, the expectations of tertiary education institutions that all First Nations academics can successfully deliver this specialised area of knowledge, and develop these capabilities in undergraduates may be ill-conceived. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health courses study the truths of colonisation; the oppression, the massacres and the governmental policies which resulted in The Stolen Generations as well as the ongoing trauma and health concerns resulting from colonisation practices. The very areas being discussed in these health courses are also the history and reality for the First Nations academics tasked with teaching this content. Recognising and understanding some of the issues of having First Nations academics teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health courses is an important first step to ensuring no further trauma is inflicted upon these academics.