The Ochre Sanctuary
A portable exhibition space designed to address family violence within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. It provides a safe and immersive environment for Indigenous youth to engage in healing workshops, interactive storytelling, and art therapy. Inspired by traditional Aboriginal structures, the design fosters cultural connection, education, and emotional recovery, aiming to break the cycle of violence through awareness and support.
Healing Through Culture: Reconnecting Indigenous Youth
The Ochre Sanctuary project addresses the prevalence of family violence within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, particularly its impact on Indigenous youth. Many young individuals experience intergenerational trauma, often lacking safe spaces for emotional healing, cultural connection, and self-expression. Existing support systems predominantly follow Western therapeutic models, which may not align with Indigenous ways of healing, leading to disengagement and barriers to effective recovery. The absence of culturally sensitive interventions further isolates Indigenous youth, limiting opportunities for them to reconnect with their ancestral knowledge, traditions, and community support systems.
This project proposes a portable, immersive sanctuary designed as a healing space rooted in Indigenous knowledge. Inspired by traditional Aboriginal structures, the design incorporates storytelling, art therapy, and sensory experiences to create a safe and nurturing environment for trauma recovery. The space serves as a mobile cultural hub, enabling young people to engage with community elders, mentors, and peers while fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment. By integrating culturally relevant healing practices, the initiative seeks to rebuild identity, restore emotional well-being, and promote resilience among Indigenous youth, ensuring long-term positive impacts on their mental health and community relationships.
