The Akeyulerre Healing Centre, most often referred to as Akeyulerre, is a fee-for service health service developed by Arrernte Elders to acknowledge and promote the importance of Indigenous knowledge, practice and expertise in relation to all aspects of well being for the community. A core part of Akeyulerre's role is the preparation and creation of bush medicines (through their community enterprise Interrentye Body Products), working with ngangkari's, visits to country, song, dance and smoking ceremonies and the preparation of bush foods.
The centre is based in Alice Springs, in the Northern Territory, and is located at the base of Billy Goat Hill where they welcome all visitors; they also offer services in Ltyentye Apurte and Amoonguna.
Background
Akeyulerre was established in 2000 by Arrernte Elders and community members and was created with the aim of strengthening their community and culture and address their communities serious health and social issues. Many Aboriginal people in Central Australia suffer from the diseases of the third world.
The three founders of the healing centre are:
Kathy Abbott
Jane Vadiveloo
Myra Hayes
Akeyulerre is now run by a committee of management, which incorporates a cultural governance system and a more Western system, to ensure the strength of their organisation.
Akeyulerre and Children's Ground also work closely together as their approaches a consistent and they work together with many of the same Arrernte families.
External links
Akeyulerre Healing Centre website; http://www.akeyulerre.org.au/
Interrentye Traditional Healing Products; http://www.akeyulerre.org.au/social-enterprise/