Connection to culture, Country and community can be an important source of strength and wellbeing for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. These connections can shape identity, belonging and a sense of purpose, and may be especially important during times of change or transition. 

For First Nations veterans and families of veterans, experiences such as service, posting, injury, transition out of Defence, or changes in family life can sometimes affect connection to culture or community. Everyone’s experience is different, and it is okay for connection to look different from one person to the next. 

At a glance 

• Connection to culture, Country, community and identity can play an important role in wellbeing. 
• Connection can look different for each person, and there is no right way to connect or reconnect. 
• Healing and reconnection may take time, especially after trauma, loss, racism, displacement or major life changes. 
• Culturally safe, community-led and Aboriginal Community Controlled organisations can offer support. 
• Support should respect personal choice, lived experience and self-determination. 

Why it matters 

For many First Nations people, wellbeing is deeply connected to: 

• culture and identity 
• Country and place 
• family, kin and community 
• shared knowledge, stories and traditions 
• Connection can provide strength, grounding and support across all stages of life. 
• When connection is disrupted by relocation, service demands, injury or major life transitions, people may feel loss, disconnection or uncertainty. 
• Supporting connection is part of supporting whole-of-person and whole-of-family wellbeing. 

What connection can mean 

Connection can mean different things to different people. It may involve: 

• spending time on Country or reconnecting with places that are important to you 
• strengthening relationships with family, kin and community 
• engaging in cultural practices, language or traditions 
• learning, relearning or deepening understanding of culture and identity 
• connecting with Elders or trusted community members 
• taking time, space and choice in how and when connection happens 

All of these experiences are personal. Some people may be actively seeking reconnection, while others may prefer to reconnect quietly, gradually, or not at all at certain times. 

Connection and healing 

• Social and emotional wellbeing can be shaped by connection to culture, Country, community, spirituality, family and identity. 
• These connections can support strength, comfort, belonging and healing. 
• Reconnection may be affected by trauma, loss, racism, displacement, family separation or time away from community or Country. 
• Healing and reconnection may take time, and there is no right way to do it. 
• Support can come through community-led and Aboriginal Community Controlled organisations. 
• Connection can strengthen identity, resilience and hope for individuals, families and communities. 

Getting support 

If you would like support to strengthen or reconnect with culture or community, many people choose to seek help through community-led, culturally safe organisations. 

These may include: 

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community organisations 
• cultural, family or social support services 
• health, legal or wellbeing organisations led by First Nations people 
• local networks connected to Elders or Traditional Owners 
• for people connected with Defence, support may also include Defence Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander networks, mentoring, and Defence member and family support services that provide information, referrals and connection with local services or community groups 

Choice and self-determination 

• Connection should not be rushed or prescribed. 
• Everyone’s journey is their own. 
• Support should respect lived experience, personal choice and self-determination. 

You decide: 

• what connection means to you 
• who you engage with 
• when and how you seek support