Drawing Wellbeing: findings from an art-based exploration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are custodians of the world's oldest living cultures yet experience systemic inequities that infringe upon their rights to health, education, safety, and cultural identity due to ongoing colonisation. Despite these persistent disparities, few studies have explored wellbeing from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children's own perspectives and lived experiences. This study addresses this gap by privileging children's voices in a large-scale, culturally grounded qualitative investigation.

This study represents the first phase of the What Matters 2Kids (WM2K) project, which aims to develop a culturally relevant wellbeing measure for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 5-11 years. Using an Indigenist methodology and culturally responsive Art and Yarning method, 219 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children across 15 sites in urban, regional, and remote Australia participated in creative sessions to express what supports their wellbeing. Data was analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis and a Collaborative Yarning approach.

Culture emerged as a foundational element underpinning and connecting all aspects of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children's wellbeing. Within this cultural foundation, seven interconnected themes were identified: caring relationships, connection to Country and nature, feeling safe, hopes and dreams, strong mind and body, interests and activities, and strong identity. A culturally resonant visual analogy, the "Wellbeing Stones", was developed to conceptualise these findings.

This study provides critical insights into the holistic, relational, and culturally embedded nature of wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, offering essential groundwork for developing culturally appropriate measurement tools and interventions with important implications for research, policy, and service provision.