The Western Australian Indigenous Storybook Spins Special Yarns

Excerpt

In this chapter, we explore how the arts-based practice of storytelling and publishing can be used as a tool to enhance the well-being of Aboriginal Australians. With a focus on health promotion as outlined in Chap. 1, the West Australian Indigenous Storybooks are a collection of autobiographical stories and artworks that showcase the achievements of Aboriginal Australians and their communities across Western Australia. Bridging the gap between research and practice, the rationale for the Storybooks was based on findings that mainstream media about Aboriginal people is negative, and that this negative focus has an impact on Aboriginal identity, self-efficacy, and health. Guided by an Aboriginal Steering Committee and regional Elders, the Storybooks are a bridge for social transformation and use a strengths-based approach to provide storytellers with the opportunity to write about their experiences, reflect on their achievements, and write/rewrite media-based stereotypes of Aboriginal life. This chapter outlines the rationale for the Storybooks, the method, and the outcomes. By evaluating storyteller experiences, we identify and reflect on the successes and challenges of this type of arts-health approach.