Environmental issues

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In today's society the environment that Aboriginal people feel comfortable with is often restricted to the local streets around their home. Aboriginal people may feel uncomfortable going beyond those local streets.

Historically, Aboriginal people were not allowed to enter townships and were forced to gather in areas out of the towns. Confidence levels amongst aboriginal people can still be low when mingling and/or sharing common environment as the minority.

Aboriginal people often describe feelings of shame when accessing government departments and other public services, because they feel there is a suggestion that they have not been looking after themselves and their family.

If Aboriginal people can identify with an individual worker at a service they are comfortable in dealing with, they will continue to access the service through that person and even seek assistance in accessing other services.

Aboriginal women are far more likely to access services for themselves and their families than Aboriginal males who only access services in an absolute emergency.

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