Examining the Associations between Indigenous Rangers, Culture and Wellbeing in Australia, 2018-2020

Area of Science:

• Indigenous Health
• Cultural Wellbeing
• Environmental Management

Background:

• Government policy increasingly recognizes the importance of culture for Indigenous peoples' health and wellbeing.
• The Indigenous Ranger program in Australia supports cultural participation and employment.
• Previous research in 2017 indicated higher life satisfaction and family wellbeing among Indigenous Rangers in Central Australia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine if associations between Indigenous Ranger status and wellbeing persist in Central Australia.
• To assess if these associations are present among Indigenous Rangers outside Central Australia.
• To quantify the mediating effects of Ranger status and cultural factors on wellbeing outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of baseline data from the Mayi Kuwayu study (n = 9691 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people).
• Comparison of past or currently employed Indigenous Rangers with non-Rangers across Central and non-Central Australian locations.
• Statistical analysis to assess wellbeing outcomes and mediating variables.

Main Results:

• Indigenous Ranger participation was significantly associated with very high life satisfaction and family wellbeing in both Central and non-Central Australia.
• Ranger status partially mediated the relationship between cultural practices (e.g., speaking Indigenous language, living on country) and wellbeing.
• Current cultural practices (e.g., spending time on country, speaking Indigenous language) also partially mediated the association between Ranger status and high life satisfaction/family wellbeing.

Conclusions:

• Findings confirm that Indigenous Ranger employment is linked to enhanced life satisfaction and family wellbeing.
• Both Ranger employment and active cultural participation contribute significantly to the wellbeing of Indigenous Australians.
• Policies that integrate and promote culture, health, and wellbeing can benefit the broader Indigenous population.