First Nations peoples who have experienced colonisation and the loss of sovereignty are consistently overrepresented in the prison systems of settler nation states. In Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people comprise 36% of the prison population, despite being only 3.8% of the general population. This disparity reflects the cumulative impacts of colonisation, social and economic disadvantage, and intergenerational trauma. Substance use and mental health disorders are highly prevalent among incarcerated populations, yet few behavioural programs have been designed to meet the cultural needs of First Nations peoples.

This Aboriginal-led project, commenced in 2024, employed a multi-method approach: a scoping review of Indigenous prison-based programs globally, 27 in-depth interviews with Aboriginal health professionals, four focus groups, and a Delphi study with Aboriginal health and correctional program experts. 

Drawing on findings, we developed a draft curriculum of 10 standalone sessions. The project demonstrates the value of Indigenous-led, mixed-methods research and collaboration, with a trial planned within the next two to three years.