Abstract
This paper will explore the issues that arise in the training of psychiatrists in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health from both a trainee and trainers experience over a number of years. Learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and mental health can be a provocative, emotional and at times a revealing journey that is necessary in order to understand the complexity and improve mental health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is commonplace to find medical practitioners with little knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and with the increasing recruitment of many oversees trained doctors, the role of training has become even more critical to ensure the progress from cultural awareness to culturally competent and safe mental health practitioners and systems of care.