Living First Nations culture presented by Aunty Ivy Trevallion
Ivy Trevallion, a Torres Strait Islander woman and experienced social worker, offers a rich, grounded reflection on growing up in a collectivist society. Ivy shares personal and community histories that span life under the Aboriginals Protection Act, segregation in education and housing, and the cultural tensions of navigating Western systems. She gives insights into traditional Torres Strait Islander values such as sharing, respect for elders, multilingualism, and the importance of kinship structures, including traditional child rearing practices. Ivy discusses how lifestyle changes—including processed food consumption and reduced physical activity—have impacted community health. Her reflections are both personal and politically, including the effects of Western legal frameworks on traditional cultural practices. This session is valuable listening for health professionals seeking a deeper understanding of Torres Strait Islander culture and the impact of colonisation on community wellbeing.
Learn about:
- How collectivist values shape daily life, child-rearing, and community relationships in the Torres Strait.
- The historical impact of the Aboriginals Protection Act on housing, education, and cultural identity.
- The cultural tensions experienced when navigating Western systems as a Torres Strait Islander.
Ivy Trevallion is a Torres Strait Islander woman born on Thursday Island, where she resides with her husband and three children. Ivy’s family comes from Dauan Island, Top Western Torres Strait. In 1986 she was the first Torres Strait Islander social worker to graduate from Queensland University. She has worked in health as a Social Worker for more than 30 years and continues to advocate for Torres Strait Islander rights and cultural safety. Ivy is also an active representative on several national bodies.