Ngarali: The Tobacco Story of Arnhem Land

Added by Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation

Description Smoking is the leading preventable cause of ill health and death among Indigenous Australians and contributes significantly to the gap in life expectancy. The health and financial consequences of smoking are far-reaching, with smoking rates in remote Yolŋu communities of around 70% far exceeding the national average. Further, smoking-related health costs in the NT are more than $764 million per year, even more than alcohol.

The documentary is very different from other health promotion resources in the tobacco arena, in that it tells the story of how and why smoking rates came to be where they are today. Led by the team of Yolŋu Tobacco Action Workers, particularly a senior elder, Mr. Oscar Garrawirtja from Galiwin'ku and producer/director, Dr Kishan Kariippanon, it does not judge or shame, but acknowledges the very difficult personal journey smokers are on, whilst highlighting the impact it is having today, all told by the voices of Yolŋu from around the region.

This documentary was produced to support the work of the Miwatj Tobacco Program being implemented in 5 communities across East Arnhem Land. It is funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health under the broader Tackling Indigenous Smoking and Healthy Lifestyles Initiative, part of Closing the Gap, being implemented in 57 Aboriginal Health Services around the country. The resource will be of great benefit to tobacco teams around the country as they strive to bring down the high rates of Indigenous smoking.

Of course, we hope you also enjoy the story, history and beautiful scenery of East Arnhem Land.