In Australia’s Northern Territory, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples experience disproportionately high rates of substance use, which many researchers have linked to trauma and stress responses in the context of dispossession, systemic marginalization and history of colonization. These conditions have also led to the Aboriginal community’s overrepresentation in the criminal justice system, resulting in their “mass incarceration.”
Within this context, culturally-resonant and community-led rehabilitation services are crucial to provide secure and appropriate support to the Aboriginal community.
Located in Darwin, Australia, the Foundation Of Rehabilitation With Aboriginal Alcohol Related Difficulties (FORWAARD) is a nonprofit Aboriginal-controlled organization supporting people, centrally from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, in their journeys recovering from substance use. The nonprofit, founded in 1967, provides different culturally-grounded programs that emphasize connection to culture, family and community as central to recovery.
The organization operates as a residential rehabilitation program accommodating up to 23 residents with backgrounds of substance use during their recovery journeys. Many clients are referred to FORWAARD through the criminal justice system as part of parole or other court-ordered conditions, while others may self-refer. Residents often come in with complex needs, including long histories of substance use, incarceration and trauma. The residential setting provides a structured and supportive environment focused on holistic healing and personal development.
Supporting Healing with the Peace Education Program
Since 2019, and more consistently from 2022 onward, FORWAARD has incorporated the Peace Education Program as part of its holistic model of care. Developed by The Prem Rawat Foundation (TPRF), the Peace Education Program is a personal development workshop series centered on ten main themes: Peace, Appreciation, Inner Strength, Self-Awareness, Clarity, Understanding, Dignity, Choice, Hope and Contentment. The program has been widely implemented in rehabilitation and substance use contexts globally.
At FORWAARD, the Peace Education Program has been conducted through weekly facilitated workshops. Some customizations have been made to the program, such as translating the session themes into Kriol, a language spoken widely in Northern Australia. The Peace Education Program has served as a reflective space for residents to explore their own inner resources such as dignity, self-awareness and choice. The program complements FORWAARD’s clinical, cultural and case-management support by strengthening internal wellbeing and emotional resilience as part of the recovery journey.
Surveys conducted at the end of each session have shown positive responses from FORWAARD residents. One participant who joined FORWAARD after being released from prison, reflected, “I haven’t had a lot of peace in my life.” But they saw the program as an opportunity for people to “look at themselves and find that clarity, that love and self-awareness and forgiveness within themselves.”
Another participant who has a history of incarceration and substance use, shared how the program supported their personal growth.
“Having the choice of my own life is such an inspiration; I find pride in my own work; I get great feeling in everything I do now, knowing I can be clear minded and healthier. I actually owe it all to this program and the people I worked with. I’ve learned to be kinder with myself, be kinder with others… and just how to be happy with myself for once,” they said.
Other Peace Education Program participants from FORWAARD similarly appreciated the opportunity to reflect and connect with themselves.
The Peace Education Program’s ongoing implementation at FORWAARD has been made possible by a TPRF microgrant, which has supported the continued facilitation of the workshops alongside FORWAARD’s existing rehabilitation services.
“The Peace Education Program aligned strongly with FORWAARD’s holistic model of care. Working with the Peace Education Program facilitators has been collaborative and responsive, with a clear long-term commitment to the program. Their flexibility, clear communication, and respect for culturally sensitive delivery supported timely responses to the complex needs of participants and strengthened the program’s impact,” explained Shannon Bartlett, the Continual Care Coordinator and Case Manager at FORWAARD.
FORWAARD is led by Aboriginal people with a deep understanding of the lived experiences and cultural values held by their community. This leadership creates an environment where participants feel safer, respected and genuinely understood. Delivered within this culturally strong foundation, the Peace Education Program supports healing that is both personally meaningful and culturally connected.
