Horses Healing – Feature Film

Yawardani Jan-ga is Horses Helping in Yawuru language. The program provides support for Aboriginal young people and youth aged 6-26 yrs. Based on Kimberley country to assist in nurturing Aboriginal young people and youth through life’s challenges and leadership.
Yawardani Jan-ga responds to community concerns over youth social and emotional wellbeing with a strengths-based research program to build healthy coping skills among Aboriginal youth.

Traditional Western-based therapies prove to have little effect in engaging Aboriginal youth, while Relational Health practices that Yawardani Jan-ga provide, offer Aboriginal medicine to Aboriginal wounds. This, combined with the statistically significant amount of young Aboriginal lives transformed, provides a foundation for our immediate, targeted impact goals.

FILM AS A TOOL TO PROMOTE CULTURALLY-APPROPRIATE HEALTHCARE – The benefits of human-animal relationships on neurodevelopmental processes suggests that horses offer uniquely enriching experiences that can help build those skills. Through broadening the understanding and practice of working with young people at risk throughout the film, we will increase awareness of culturally-safe practices in local communities, with youth workers, educators, carers and within the government.

SCALING THE PROGRAM & EMPLOYMENT – With increased awareness and interest (both financially and academically) in the program, Professor Coffin and her team will be able to develop multiple bases in Western Australia and across the other states, changing the lives of more young people.

PROVIDE A POSITIVE, UPLIFTING NARRATIVE for young people about themselves, and their place in the world. Films have the opportunity of changing and defining culture.

A Collaboration Agreement binds our storytelling journey. Juli opened her private program, fostering trust that aligned with her healing approach. As well as a key creative producer, Juli is our indigenous consultant ensuring ethical production, protecting Aboriginal rights.

Foster global interest in Equine Assisted Learning as a breakthrough for youth dealing with mental health and educational barriers. The film and related content will serve as a potent resource, aiding communities, youth workers, and juvenile justice educators in effectively aiding at-risk youth and curbing social exclusion.
By raising awareness and support, including financial and academic assistance, Professor Coffin’s team will establish multiple hubs across Western Australia and other states. This expansion will amplify positive impacts, reaching a larger number of young individuals.
Through questioning conventional healthcare methods and gaining approval from Indigenous communities nationwide, policy makers will be pushed to review current mental health initiatives. The success of innovative approaches like Yawardani Jan-ga, which incorporate culturally sensitive techniques will drive the adoption of novel strategies in addressing mental health challenges.