Beyond the mainstream - health gains in remote aboriginal communities.
BACKGROUND
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians have long asserted the health benefits of maintaining close links with the lands and seas to which they have ancestral connections.


OBJECTIVE
This article outlines the health findings of the 'Healthy country, healthy people' study conducted in central Arnhem Land between 2004-2007, which examined 'caring for country' practices in a remote Aboriginal community, and draws out the policy implications for health promotion and sustainable development.


CONCLUSIONS
At the request of, and in collaboration with, Aboriginal landowners in central Arnhem Land, the study investigated the ecological and human health outcomes associated with 'caring for country' practices. The study demonstrated significant and substantial health benefits associated with greater participation in caring for country, along with a healthier environment.
Burgess
Paul
P
Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Northern Territory. paul.burgess@nt.gov.au
Mileran
Albert
A
Bailie
Ross
R
D001315:Australia; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006303:Health Services, Indigenous / Q000458:organization & administration; D006304:Health Status; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D012945:Social Values