A new research project is aiming to bridge the aged care gap for Stolen Generations survivors and their families through truth-telling.

Collaboratively led by Murdoch University’s School of Indigenous Knowledges and School of Humanities Arts and Social Sciences, in partnership with The Australian National University, Yokai Healing Our Spirit and Uniting Church Homes, the project will work with community to co-design and co-deliver truth-telling packages for aged care providers.

Associate Professor Jenna Woods, Dean of Murdoch University’s School of Indigenous Knowledges and Chief Investigator in the project, says that the work is grounded in truth and centred on healing.

“This project is led by mob from beginning to end, shaped by community priorities, strengthened by community knowledge and driven by community impact,” Associate Professor Woods said.

We are committed to ensuring our Elders receive the culturally grounded care they deserve.

Through the support of a $250,000 Australian Research Council (ARC) grant, the research team - Associate Professor Jenna Woods; Dr Alison Atkinson-Phillips; Associate Professor Rosanne Kennedy; Ms Jennifer Kaeshagen and Dr James Morrison – will facilitate a community co-design process.

“These resources will be shaped by the voices, priorities and lived experiences of Stolen Generations survivors,” Associate Professor Woods said. 

"We want to address the ‘gap within the gap’ of health and wellbeing outcomes for our Elders."

Truth-telling includes openly sharing history and personal experiences, particularly regarding past injustices committed against First Nations peoples. 

The process has been shown to promote healing and correct previously silenced and misrepresented narratives.

In 2024, a report from Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner Andrea Kelly found that Australia’s aged care system was largely culturally unsafe for First Nations peoples.

Many Stolen Generations survivors expressed mistrust in institutionalised settings, along with a strong preference for home or community-based care wherever possible.

Associate Professor Woods said the Truth Telling for Wellbeing in Stolen Generations Survivor Elder Care project would play a critical role in making meaningful change for Elders across Australia.