- Date:
- 1 Dec 2019
Nargneit Birrang (To see the river) is for all Victorian Aboriginal people – adults, children, young people and families – who are impacted by family violence and need holistic healing; and for the Aboriginal services and communities who support them on their healing journeys.
The purpose of the Nargneit Birrang Framework and evaluation of Aboriginal-led holistic healing programs for family violence in Victoria, informed by the principle of self-determination. Nargneit Birrang (pronounced ‘Nar-neat Be-rang’) is a Woiwurrung word meaning “To see the river”.
Through self-determination, Aboriginal individuals, families and communities are safe and thriving.
Acknowledgement of Aboriginal people and communities in Victoria
The following acknowledgement was developed by the Dhelk Dja Partnership Forum in Dhelk Dja – Safe Our Way: Strong Cultures, Strong Peoples, Strong Families (Dhelk Dja).
The Nargneit Birrang Framework
Why was Nargneit Birrang developed?
The Nargneit Birrang Vision
The vision: through self-determination, Aboriginal individuals, families and communities are safe and thriving.
Principle 1: Self-determination is fundamental
This principle recognises that for holistic healing to be effective it must be Aboriginal-led and promote social justice and a human rights approach.
Principle 2: Safety is a priority
It is critical that holistic healing approaches ensure the safety of all Aboriginal people – adults and children – that they seek to support.
Principle 3: Culture, country and community are embedded in healing
Through the development of Nargneit Birrang, we heard that connection to Aboriginal culture, Country and community is intrinsic to the wellbeing of Aboriginal people.
Principle 4: The past impacts on the present
Holistic healing approaches should adopt a strengths-based approach that is informed by an understanding of the impact of past policies, practices and intergenerational trauma on Aboriginal people.
Principle 5: Healing is trauma-informed
Aboriginal holistic healing approaches to family violence will be sensitive to the trauma and impact of family violence on individuals and families.
Principle 6: Resilience and hope make a difference
Effective healing should build individual and collective resilience and offer hope.
Where to from here?
As stated earlier, the framework is a strategic response to guide service design, implementation and evaluation, funding guidelines, compliance, indicator measures and evaluation.
Summary
Nargeit Birrang has been developed to enhance effective long-term responses to Aboriginal people who have experienced - directly or indirectly - family violence, to break the cycle of violence.
Glossary of terms
Terms used in the Nargneit Birrang vision.
Referenced literature
There are a range of Victorian Government policies, strategies and frameworks which further emphasise self-determination, social and emotional wellbeing and the right to live free from violence.
Imprint page
Authorised and published by the Victorian Government 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne 3002.
Updated