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

Moving Forward TogetherJanet KellyThey explained;We saw the worker in there all by herself with all the craft items, so wewandered in to say hi and to support her group. We knew the other staffdidn’t want us there, and we weren’t really welcome, but it was just whatwe had been asking for. All the craft items sitting there, waiting to beused, and a worker to give support (AWGD5).Their involvement met their immediate needs, but triggered more tensionbetween staff members and themselves. One of the Aboriginal health staff saidto me and of course those women came in and took over, again (AHS D4).Being referred to services that never eventuateThe women were directed to attend programs at the North East NeighbourhoodHouse. Unfortunately after months of anticipation, a building came onto thecampus, remained empty for months due to occupational health and safetyissues related to the design and structural materials, and then was removedunused. The North East Neighborhood House continued to provide existingservices in a nearby suburb but was not accessed by the Aboriginal women dueto transport and location constraints. The women summed up their opinion bysaying once again we were encouraged to wait for a service or program thatnever happens. Do we need to spend our whole lives waiting? (AWG D4)The Aboriginal women’s health day – good for a dayAmidst these happenings the first Aboriginal Women’s Health Day was held atthe Aboriginal Outreach Health Service. I had been working with Aboriginalhealth staff at Gilles Plains to plan a positive health promotion event. Two ofthe Aboriginal health staff co-researchers and I were hoping that this eventcould help heal some of the animosity between the community women andAboriginal health staff members. The community women came in early andhelped to set up the community room and participated throughout the day,assisting with decorations, food preparations, painting and arts and crafts. Theysaid that the day felt good, that it felt like a community space for the day.However they all agreed that it was a one off, and they were seeking ongoingprograms. One woman reflected it was good for a day, and then it all went179