In July we celebrated NAIDOC week, a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, recognising the history, achievements, and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This year’s theme was ‘For Our Elders’ – highlighting the importance of culture and history in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and the role of Elders in holding and sharing their knowledge.
In the spirit of NAIDOC week, our featured service this month is Deadly Story, a cultural resource portal to support First Nations young people in out-of-home care connect to their culture, country, and community.
About Deadly Story
Deadly Story is a cultural resource portal developed to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people connect with their country, community, and their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and identity by providing cultural information. The Deadly Story website was developed in response to the need for culturally appropriate and correct information as part of cultural plans for Aboriginal children in out-of-home care.
The information on the Deadly Story website is collected from many sources along with discussion with community members, including Elders and Leaders, community organisations, land councils and other cultural information sites. Deadly Story groups this information under culture and identity as well as providing tools and links to suitable services.
Features of Deadly Story include:
- An interactive map of Australia, allowing users to navigate and learn about the customs, practices and stories of the people and land.
- A historical timeline highlighting significant people, stories and events.
- An events calendar that highlights cultural, sporting and social activities from across Victoria.
- A service directory of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services including interactive games, quizzes, crosswords, jigsaw puzzles and colouring in.
- Interviews with role models and Elders who make contributions to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
- The latest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander news.
- A clearinghouse for available resources and links.
What is the aim of Deadly Story?
Deadly Story aims to support healing, increase protective factors, help with resilience, self-esteem and provide and lead to better health and wellbeing overall. They aim to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people who are in out-of-home care grow in their knowledge of who they are and where they come from.
Who is Deadly Story for?
Deadly Story is designed primarily for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people in out-of-home care who may be disconnected from their culture. Their information is also suitable for carers or health practitioners taking care of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child or young person.
Is there a cost to use Deadly Story?
There is no cost to use Deadly Story.
How to access Deadly Story
Deadly Story can be accessed at https://www.deadlystory.com/