The Adverse Childhood Experiences model lacks a First Nations lens. Focusing on early interventions and culturally safe, community-led strategies, as well as enhanced data collection, would improve health equity.

A child protection system preoccupied with risk aversion is impeding the emotional growth of children. We need a new model based on relational care and reciprocity to break the cycle.

Putting First Nations people in the driver’s seat of community development isn’t just the right thing to do – it delivers better outcomes too.

It’s 32 years since the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody. While progress has been slow – and in some cases retrograde – there is a path to better outcomes for Indigenous people if they are empowered to lead policy responses.