Moving Forward Together in Aboriginal Women's Health: - Theses ...

Moving Forward TogetherJanet Kellypurpose of these consultations was to ensure that it could meet local Aboriginalwomen’s need for positive action. Aboriginal women were involved as coresearchersand mentors throughout the research process. Opportunities forcapacity building and skills development were built into our collaborativeactivities such as ethics applications, co-planning, co-writing and copresenting.We discussed the risks and benefits of the research, and had opendiscussions about how we could improve the research process and outcomesfor all involved, particularly in instances of conflict, or potential conflict.Using Ganma and postcolonial feminism as guiding principles for myunderstanding of participatory action research enabled me to ensure that Irespected and included all forms of knowledge as much as possible.A commitment to reciprocity meant that co-researchers’ needs were prioritisedover the research process. For example, when working with communitywomen, their priorities regarding a women’s friendship group was addressedbefore interviews were suggested as interviews about ‘urban Aboriginalwomen’s health’ was an abstract concept that did not meet their immediateneeds. Another aspect of reciprocity involved reducing the burden of researchon, and improving its applicability for the co-researchers. Where ever possible,our research was aligned with existing tasks, priorities and agendas. Forexample, Aboriginal Outreach Health Service co-researchers needed toevaluate their annual programs for statistical and reporting purposes, but hadlittle time or resources to do so. Since part of the research involved seekinginformation about local services, we discussed the mutual benefit of myassisting them with their task, while in return they would indicate which datawas appropriate for me to use for this research.RespectRespect refers to the need to take account of the dignity of people, acceptingvalues, norms, knowledges and aspirations different to one’s own (NationalHealth and Medical Research Council 2003). Consent and any potentiallynegative effects were carefully discussed and negotiated. Co-researchers’contributions and knowledge were recognised and specifically named whenthey wish to be named (for example Elder’s wisdom), and de-identified whenthey did not (for example employees discussing a controversial topic).113