Music Across Generations: Exploring Intergenerational First Nations Musical Practices as Cultural Determinants of Health

Naomi Sunderland; Glenn Barry; Phil Graham; Darren Garvey; Brydie-Leigh Bartleet; Brigitta Scarfe; Kristy Apps; Rae Cooper; Clint Bracknell; Kerry Hall

doi:10.1097/FCH.0000000000000413

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Music Across Generations: Exploring Intergenerational First Nations Musical Practices as Cultural Determinants of Health

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Music Across Generations: Exploring Intergenerational First Nations Musical Practices as Cultural Determinants of Health

Naomi Sunderland, Glenn Barry, Phil Graham, Darren Garvey, Brydie-Leigh Bartleet, Brigitta Scarfe, Kristy Apps, Rae Cooper, Clint Bracknell and Kerry Hall

Family & Community Health, Vol.47(4), pp.294-303

2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/FCH.0000000000000413

PMID: 39158176

Appears in UniSC Diversity and Inclusion Research Collection

Abstract

culture

determinants of health and wellbeing

family and community connections

first nations

intergenerational

musical practices

UniSC Diversity Area - Cultural and Linguistic Diversity

UniSC Diversity Area - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement

This article reports on promising pilot research which indicates that intergenerational musical practices in diverse First Nations families and communities in Vanuatu and Australia can shape cultural determinants of health (CDoH). We contend that such strength- and culture-based approaches to health promotion may help to disrupt colonial and deficit constructions of First Nations People and our health and wellbeing. The pilot study used Indigenist yarning which prioritized First Nations ideas, concepts, and knowledges during informal and relational semi-structured interviews with 9 diverse First Nations musicians in Australia and Vanuatu. The pilot study underpins an ongoing international 3-year research project examining First Nations music as a determinant of health led by Griffith University, The University of the Sunshine Coast, The University of Queensland, and Edith Cowan University. Yarning interviews were analyzed using collaborative thematic analysis and Indigenous visual art responses. Major themes emerging from the data related to intergenerational music activity and transmission. Themes include Music as an intergenerational medium of cultures; Music as a bond between older and younger generations; Intergenerational musical activism and advocacy; and Musical lineages and strengths. Intergenerational musical practices in diverse First Nations families may provide protective cultural, social, economic, educative, and professional determinants of health. The study indicates that more research and new theory may unlock the potential of First Nations musical activities as protective and agentic cultural practices in our families and communities.

Details

Title: Music Across Generations: Exploring Intergenerational First Nations Musical Practices as Cultural Determinants of Health
Authors: Naomi Sunderland (Corresponding Author) - Griffith University
Glenn Barry (Author) - Griffith University
Phil Graham (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Business and Creative Industries
Darren Garvey (Author) - University of Queensland
Brydie-Leigh Bartleet (Author) - Griffith University
Brigitta Scarfe (Author) - Edith Cowan University
Kristy Apps (Author) - Griffith University
Rae Cooper (Author) - Griffith University
Clint Bracknell (Author) - University of Western Australia
Kerry Hall (Author) - Griffith University
Publication details: Family & Community Health, Vol.47(4), pp.294-303
Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Date published: 2024
DOI: 10.1097/FCH.0000000000000413
ISSN: 1550-5057
PMID: 39158176
Organisation Unit: Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic); School of Creative Industries - Legacy
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991061496602621
Output Type: Journal article