Resetting the Narrative in Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nutrition Research

Area of Science:

• Indigenous Studies
• Public Health
• Nutrition Science

Background:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples possess ancient, resilient cultures.
• Colonization led to dispossession, violence, and assimilation policies impacting Indigenous connections to Country and kin.
• Colonialism's legacy persists, affecting Indigenous food systems, knowledge, and causing severe health disparities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the portrayal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in nutrition literature.
• To identify knowledge gaps concerning Indigenous nutrition and well-being.
• To propose a collaborative, culturally integrated approach for future research and intervention.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing research on Indigenous peoples and nutrition.
• Analysis of current representations within academic and policy documents.
• Synthesis of findings to inform a new research and collaboration framework.

Main Results:

• The literature often reflects colonial perspectives, overlooking Indigenous food systems and knowledge.
• Significant gaps exist in understanding the holistic determinants of Indigenous nutrition and health.
• Current approaches inadequately integrate Indigenous worldviews on food, health, and healing.

Conclusions:

• Urgent need for research that centers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices and knowledge.
• Collaboration is essential to address nutrition inequities and promote Indigenous well-being.
• A paradigm shift is required to incorporate Indigenous understandings of food systems and health.