A healing foundation for Aboriginal community development

Abstract

Introduction THIS CHAPTER FOCUSES on the layered generational trauma, with a felt sense of injustice, that permeates many Aboriginal beliefs and behaviours and impacts on present-day community development (Atkinson 2002). Trauma-informed community development principles and practice can help facilitate healing and build community development capacity. There is a strongly articulated and expressed desire for healing across all levels of Aboriginal communities; however, healing must occur across all social systems (individuals, families and communities) if it is to influence whole-of-social change and growth. Community development can support the social movement towards healing, but it require..