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Empowering Voice through the Creation of a Safe Space: An Experience of Aboriginal Women in Regional Queensland

Author

Listed:
  • Christina M Bernardes

    (Cancer & Chronic Disease Research Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland 4006, Australia
    Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health Research Unit–Clinical Yarning Study, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland 4006, Australia)

  • Patricia C Valery

    (Cancer & Chronic Disease Research Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland 4006, Australia)

  • Brian Arley

    (Wellbeing and Preventable Chronic Disease Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Brisbane, Queensland 4000, Australia)

  • Gregory Pratt

    (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health Research Unit–Clinical Yarning Study, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland 4006, Australia)

  • Linda Medlin

    (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health Research Unit–Clinical Yarning Study, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland 4006, Australia)

  • Judith A Meiklejohn

    (Orange Sky Australia, Albion, Queensland 4010, Australia)

Abstract

Background: Sharing stories creates a space for respectful conversation and contributes to both knowledge and a sense of fellowship. This paper reflects on the experience of the research team in supporting a group of Aboriginal women to create safe spaces and to share their stories of healing, social and emotional wellbeing. Methods: Secondary data of a study exploring community perceptions about cancer were analysed using the holistic model of Indigenous Wellbeing developed by the Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative (2008). Qualitative data were collected during yarning sessions with a group of Aboriginal women while creating a quilt. Results: Four elements of the Indigenous Wellbeing model were identified: connectedness, sense of control, threats and relationship with the mainstream. The yarning sessions promoted dialogue, identified needs and supported the voices of the participants. A duality of forces (positive and negative) influencing community wellbeing was identified. Conclusion: This project highlights the need for spaces that support people and the community to express concerns, identify needs, propose solutions and begin a dialogue that encourages empowerment. Community-driven conversation and the identification of safe and empowering spaces can serve to empower social and emotional wellbeing.

Suggested Citation

  • Christina M Bernardes & Patricia C Valery & Brian Arley & Gregory Pratt & Linda Medlin & Judith A Meiklejohn, 2020. "Empowering Voice through the Creation of a Safe Space: An Experience of Aboriginal Women in Regional Queensland," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-10, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:5:p:1476-:d:324848
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Alfred Dockery, 2010. "Culture and Wellbeing: The Case of Indigenous Australians," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 99(2), pages 315-332, November.
    2. Wallerstein, N. & Duran, B., 2010. "Community-based participatory research contributions to intervention research: The intersection of science and practice to improve health equity," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 100(S1), pages 40-46.
    3. Jonathan Kingsley & Mardie Townsend & Claire Henderson-Wilson & Bruce Bolam, 2013. "Developing an Exploratory Framework Linking Australian Aboriginal Peoples’ Connection to Country and Concepts of Wellbeing," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 10(2), pages 1-21, February.
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