First Nations' knowledge will be embedded into SA Health’s climate adaptation and mitigation efforts across the state for health-related climate actions to:

  • reflect community priorities
  • preserve cultural heritage
  • protect rights to lands and waters
  • address climate impacts that widen health inequities
  • guide climate and health resilience through Aboriginal knowledge and sustainable practices.

Implementing SA Health’s Climate Change and Health Framework will be enhanced by listening to, and deeply considering, the wisdom and experience of Aboriginal South Australians.

Caring for Country

Aboriginal people and their communities are recognised for their profound knowledge and connection to Country and their resilience despite the past and ongoing challenges of colonisation.

Taking an optimistic, nature-positive approach, Aboriginal ways of thinking demonstrate the need to take a whole of ecosystem approach to the challenges posed by climate change, where human health, environmental health and animal health are inextricably linked. Western thinking is often characterised by linearity and singularity, whereas addressing the impacts of climate change require duality and collectivism. Aboriginal culture reminds us of the importance of harmony and balance, restoration and regeneration.

Working with Aboriginal peoples on climate change policies through shared decision-making is essential for building a sustainable and resilient health system in South Australia. Having sustained their lands and waters for tens of thousands of years, the principles of caring for Country are critical in responding to climate change.

We actively commit to embedding these principles into SA Health’s efforts to create an environmentally sustainable, low carbon and climate-resilient health system that maintains high-quality healthcare and empowers the community to take necessary actions to protect their health and wellbeing.

Trusted partnerships and shared decision-making

The National Agreement on Closing the Gap emphasises self-determination. Through formal partnerships and shared decision-making with Aboriginal peoples, SA Health will develop services and practices to be effective, relevant, culturally safe, and responsive to the needs of Aboriginal communities.

In developing and sustaining trusted partnerships with Aboriginal people and their communities, SA Health will work to embed relevant Aboriginal knowledge into climate adaptation and mitigation efforts to ensure health-related climate actions reflect community priorities, preserve their cultural heritage, and protect their rights to lands and waters.

Learn more

To learn more visit SA Health Climate Change and Health Framework.