An inspired new research initiative is bringing First Nations men together across the great southern to explore how culture improves health and wellbeing.

The Maaman Waankiny Wur Walbriny (Men Talking and Healing) Project, a collaboration between the Ngangk Yira Institute for Change and Gorenang Moortabiin Aboriginal Engagement and Community Development, is looking at how cultural healing activities can strengthen the health and wellbeing for maaman (men).

Rohan Collard, a proud Noongar man and Principal Research Fellow at the Ngangk Yira Institute for Change, is the Chief Investigator of the project and says cultural connection has a significant role to play in improving health outcomes.

“For First Nations people, cultural identity and participation in cultural activities, access to traditional lands, and connection to family are recognised as positive influences on overall health and wellbeing,” Collard said.

“We’re setting out to prove that holds true for maaman in a research context so that more people can appreciate and benefit from it.”

The project involves a series of on-Country meetings and yarning circles in the Great Southern. These activities create a culturally secure space for healing and connection to land, culture, and spirituality.

"We know that connection to Country creates a sense of belonging and underpins cultural identity, so it’s really important that we encourage that and undertake these meetings on the Country that mob are from."

Participants’ perceptions of their social and emotional wellbeing will be captured at intervals throughout the project while yarning, a culturally safe way to deal with sensitive issues.

The concept of First Nations men’s bush camps and yarning circles is not new. Being part of Country, caring for Country and exercising cultural responsibilities on Country were a major component of First Nation’s men’s lives for millennia.

However, since colonisation, men’s ability to connect to Country and culture have diminished.

By creating these culturally secure spaces, the project aims to build strengths in maaman to overcome entrenched inequalities and lead to positive life outcomes and healing.

When men’s healing programs are designed and led by First Nations peoples, remarkable things can happen.

It’s not just about achieving healing and health for participants. The bigger picture is gathering evidence to advocate for longer-term funding for similar programs across the Great Southern Region and throughout Western Australia.

“These assessments are what we hope will demonstrate the effectiveness of men’s healing groups and ultimately lead to more support for them across the country,” Collard said.

"By reconnecting with cultural values, restoring identity, and building positive family and community relationships, community-led men’s healing programs have huge potential to improve the health of our maaman," Collard said.

Gorenang Moortabiin Aboriginal Corporation CEO and Co-Founder Paula Foenander said the project resonated deeply as leader of the organisation and as a Noongar woman grounded in her community.

This initiative was led by two dedicated young Noongar men, whose vision continues to guide us.