The Highest Smoking Rates in Aus — East Arnhem

Aboriginal people in the top end were originally introduced to tobacco by Macassan traders, later through rations by missionaries and eventually the tobacco industry transformed that relationship again. Today, Aboriginal smoking rates are among the highest in the country. If this is to change, understanding the cultural and historical roots of smoking may be an important step in promoting action.

A Different Approach

This documentary steps away from traditional health promotion/deterrence resources in the tobacco arena, in that it tells the story of how and why smoking seems to be so prevalent within the indigenous communities of Australia.

We endeavoured to create an account of the Yolngu (Yolŋu) people for the Yolngu people — through a combination of 'stories' passed down from elders, recounting the history of tobacco, whilst also looking at the cultural ramifications that both western civilisations and an Aboriginal one helped take its part in this complex issue.

Giving Ownership

Our goal was to give Yolngu ownership of their story and to look at all facets of the whole issue, rather than just a health one.

This resource is unique in that it brings together new knowledge in health communications and behavioural concepts — underpinned by an ethnographic understanding of Yolngu people, their culture and traditions around tobacco use.

Production Details

Location: East Arnhem Land, Northern Territory. Format: Multi-chapter documentary. Approach: Culturally-led, ethnographic storytelling with community elders and members.

Services Used

Documentary Production — Full documentary production and development. Community documentary — culturally sensitive storytelling with Aboriginal communities. Interview-led documentary — elder testimonials and oral history.