Journal
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
Volume 17, Issue 5, Pages -Publisher
MDPI
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17051476
Keywords
indigenous; voices; story; empowerment; Queensland; regional; wellbeing
Funding
- National Health and Medical Research Council [1083090]
Ask authors/readers for more resources
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.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available