We are the only culture in Australia that requires we ‘prove’ our identity. We are also the only culture in Australia in which Govt policy required that we provide proof that we had severed ties with our family, kin in order to have basic human rights 1/7
Most of the suicides I respond to have identity struggles implicated in them. Today, I received a message that is not unlike many of the conversations I have across Australia but bought me to tears. It represents the damage that ‘proof of Aboriginality’ results in: 2/7
“Dear Dr Westerman I am studying psych & received an invite to apply for a scholarship with the Westerman Jilya Institute for Indigenous Mental Health & was so happy to see the application required a cultural reference rather than Confirmation of Aboriginality 3/7
I wanted to send a message to say thank you. Thank you for everything you do for mob; thank you for recognising I don't need a piece of paper to tell me I'm Aboriginal. My dad was part of the stolen generation & he never talks about his mob. Never. 4/7
I am on a journey to find my mob & I find the constant requirement for a piece of paper to tell me who I am really saddening. I know who I am-I just don't know the whole story". 5/7
As an Aboriginal person this practice so offends me. It makes it ok for ppl to Qu identity & creates a damaging narrative we are all frauds claiming some sort of benefit to being Aboriginal. I am lucky. I know who I am. I’ve never had to “prove” my Aboriginality. 6/7
Many haven’t been as fortunate as I am. I also want to share something deeply personal. My grandfathers APPLICATION FOR CITIZENSHIP & my mums certificate of citizenship. It is harrowing but needs to be shared because a history denied is condemned to repeat itself. 7/7 
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