youth (peoples) to learn about and provide strategies to address the mental health and wellbeing including depression and unfortunately, the growing epidemic of Indigenous suicide, to be presented to your peers at the next Staff meeting.  The focus for that staff meeting will be on Mental Health and Wellbeing with particular attention being placed on your growing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student population in the school (or growing number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander work colleagues).  The statistics of Indigenous social determinants that influence and inform students’ (or your work colleagues’) mental health and wellbeing and the preventative measures need to be discussed.

The report is to provide your peers with information regarding:

• the statistics regarding Indigenous peoples’ livelihoods including such measures as population; infant mortality rates; incarceration; health and suicide rates in comparison to non-Indigenous peoples in Australia (particular focus on youth is preferred);
• the significant factors that contribute to the epidemic and the key areas that require attention to address mental health and wellbeing including Indigenous youth suicide;
• strategies that are encouraged to be implemented to minimise and address Indigenous youth mental health and wellbeing particularly within a school context (or the workplace).

When writing the report, you are to refer to the USQ Report Writing template (See: https://www.usq.edu.au/learningcentre/assignment-skills/writing-assignments/report-writing)

• For an example step-by-step approach and template see Appendix 1.

When referencing sources, you are to use APA referencing.  (See: https://www.usq.edu.au/library/referencing/apa-referencing-guide)

“The suicide of a young person has a long and lasting impact on their friends and peers, their families, schools and communities” (headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation, 2017, p. para. 1).  Within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, deaths are often referred to as ‘Sorry Business’.  The high rates of suicide within the Australian Indigenous youth population is devastating. 

As classroom teachers, the mental health and wellbeing of our students has become a quintessential component of our teaching and learning; creating an inclusive and responsive classroom environment.  It is also important to be aware of the influencing factors embedded in our students’ livelihoods to appropriately respond and action strategies to improve their mental health and well-being.

As Australian citizens, the societal inequalities whereby Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are consistently placed on the lower rungs of the various social determinants and the increasing number of mental health and suicides within Indigenous communities, should be seen as dire and in need of action.  Many of the statistics ensure that stereotypes and assumptions held within mainstream Australia are upheld and instilled in the dominant societal psyche.