UNDERSTANDING SUICIDE AMONG ABORIGINAL COMMUNITIES.

Abstract

Globally, suicide is recognised as a public health concern for Indigenous communities, and Australia is not an exemption. As noted by Tatz (2001) 'To understand Aboriginal suicide, one has to understand Aboriginal history'. Suicide among Australian Aboriginal communities was reported to be a rare occurrence in pre-colonial times (Tatz, 2001). Historical events, social policies and other circumstances have ongoing consequences for the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal peoples.