Marrathalpu mayingku ngiya kiyi. Minyawaa ngiyani yata punmalaka; wangaaypu kirrampili kara [Ngiyampaa title]; In the beginning it was our people's law. What makes us well; to never be sick. Cohort profile of Mayi Kuwayu: The National Study of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Wellbeing

Culture is gaining increased research and policy attention as a determinant of wellbeing, following advocacy by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities. To date, the development of conceptual models and measurement tools concerning culture and wellbeing has been insufficient. Recent developments in measuring racism and trauma specific to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population highlight an interplay between culture and health. The Mayi Kuwayu Study aims to improve the understanding of the role cultural factors play in wellbeing and their interaction with standard health risk and protective factors. The study currently includes data on 9691 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, with broad representation from across Australia, and represents a nationally significant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led and owned data resource. This is the first time that novel cultural indicators, developed through extensive consultative processes, can be included in the story of what contributes to health and wellbeing in the population. Over time, the study aims to provide insights into how culture contributes to wellbeing and how oppression impedes health and wellbeing. These insights will be useful to inform health and wellbeing policy for individuals, communities and nations, in addition to governments.