Experiencing the suicide of a friend or family member can be a significant risk factor for youth suicide. Given the frequency of suicide-related Sorry Business within First Nations communities, the need for culturally safe and appropriate postvention supports is vital. Schools, as key environments in the lives of young people, have an important role to play in responding to grief and trauma in ways that are culturally sensitive, respectful and empowering for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
Evidence shows that culture and belonging are foundational to the emotional and spiritual wellbeing of First Nations young people. When schools are equipped culturally, they can become places of healing and resilience. The Seasons for Life initiative is a wrap-around model designed to build the capacity of young people, as well as the adults in their lives, to better understand and respond to grief and loss.
The Seasons for Life initiative incorporates culturally co-developed materials which offer school staff opportunities to reflect on their practices in providing culturally informed support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and families experiencing loss and grief, including loss by suicide. Known as the Keeping Spirit Strong resources participants learn about grief and resilience in the context of ancestral and on-going losses and supporting young people in culturally responsive ways that recognise Aboriginal ways of being, knowing and doing.
These resources include a whole staff Professional Learning session, support booklets as well as an online eLearning module. These resources were co-developed in partnership with First Nations Cultural Consultants, ensuring that the content is grounded in lived experience and cultural integrity.
By increasing the number of culturally confident adults in a young person’s life, schools can offer a wraparound support system alongside the young person’s family and community to reduce risks.
To date, the Seasons for Life initiative has reached over 850 schools across Australia, with 31% of these schools having 15% or more Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander student enrolments. This reach reflects a growing commitment to culturally responsive suicide postvention and the importance of embedding cultural confidence within school communities.