Annalee Elizabeth Stearne1, Steve Allsop2, Anthony Shakeshaft3, Martyn Symons4, Michael Wright5. 1. Curtin University, Faculty of Health Sciences, National Drug Research Institute, GPO Box U1987, Perth WA 6845, Australia. Electronic address: a.stearne@curtin.edu.au. 2. Curtin University, Faculty of Health Sciences, National Drug Research Institute, GPO Box U1987, Perth WA 6845, Australia. 3. UNSW Sydney, National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC), Sydney NSW 2052, Australia. 4. Curtin University, Faculty of Health Sciences, National Drug Research Institute, GPO Box U1987, Perth WA 6845, Australia; Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth Children's Hospital, 15 Hospital Ave, Nedlands WA 6009. 5. Curtin University, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Occupational Therapy, Social Work and Speech Pathology, GPO Box U1987, Perth WA 6845, Australia.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Harmful alcohol consumption contributes to poorer health for all people. For Indigenous Peoples of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand alcohol impacts their wellbeing significantly, this is partially explained by both their experiences of colonisation and the resulting impact on structural and social determinants of health. Indigenous Peoples have a recognised right to self-determination, which includes their right to contribute to policy decisions that affect them. This right is based on international recognition and principles, and acknowledgement of historical culture and law. The aim of this narrative review is to examine the processes of inclusion of Indigenous Peoples in policy development processes for evidence of self-determination to inform alcohol policy development. METHODS: Ninety-eight peer-reviewed journal articles were identified through four databases. Twenty papers describing the inclusion of Indigenous Peoples in policy development processes were included; one focusing on alcohol. Two authors reviewed and coded the papers by four domains of Indigenous inclusion in policy processes: Indigenous representation; method of inclusion; reasons for inclusion; and stage of inclusion. RESULTS: There is no single model for the integration of self-determination into policy. However, the nature of participation is key in ensuring that Indigenous Peoples' self-determination is recognised. While all the papers reported Indigenous Peoples being included in processes, there was little evidence of self-determination. CONCLUSIONS: Self-determination is a right, and critical to effective policy and action. The inclusion of Indigenous Peoples in policy development alone is not self-determination; however, creating the conditions that ensures Indigenous Peoples have influence throughout policy processes is one integral component of self-determination.
BACKGROUND: Harmful alcohol consumption contributes to poorer health for all people. For Indigenous Peoples of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand alcohol impacts their wellbeing significantly, this is partially explained by both their experiences of colonisation and the resulting impact on structural and social determinants of health. Indigenous Peoples have a recognised right to self-determination, which includes their right to contribute to policy decisions that affect them. This right is based on international recognition and principles, and acknowledgement of historical culture and law. The aim of this narrative review is to examine the processes of inclusion of Indigenous Peoples in policy development processes for evidence of self-determination to inform alcohol policy development. METHODS: Ninety-eight peer-reviewed journal articles were identified through four databases. Twenty papers describing the inclusion of Indigenous Peoples in policy development processes were included; one focusing on alcohol. Two authors reviewed and coded the papers by four domains of Indigenous inclusion in policy processes: Indigenous representation; method of inclusion; reasons for inclusion; and stage of inclusion. RESULTS: There is no single model for the integration of self-determination into policy. However, the nature of participation is key in ensuring that Indigenous Peoples' self-determination is recognised. While all the papers reported Indigenous Peoples being included in processes, there was little evidence of self-determination. CONCLUSIONS: Self-determination is a right, and critical to effective policy and action. The inclusion of Indigenous Peoples in policy development alone is not self-determination; however, creating the conditions that ensures Indigenous Peoples have influence throughout policy processes is one integral component of self-determination.