‘Wise practices’ with Indigenous Australians: Adapting to a changing planet

This chapter uses the voices of Indigenous Australians to outline cultural significance of Country, including their relationship with Country, and the cultural and environmental wisdom in the care of Country. It highlights the values embedded in the care of Country, including the connection between human and non-human wellbeing. In addition, a `Wise Practices’ model of social work is shown as an effective way of working and collaborating with Aboriginal people. Indeed, Wise Practices centres Indigenous culture and heritage while recognising that social work must be inclusive of the strengths and the spirituality of the people. Moreover, Wise Practices prioritises the use of local culture, knowledge and leadership, while using only that which is appropriate from western academia. In this way, the Wise Practices approach to community work harnesses local solutions to address local issues.