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

Moving Forward TogetherJanet Kellydiscussions unfold. Having two Yolngu women present to explain the conceptof Ganma, its origins and how it can be used, reinforced everyone’srecognition of Aboriginal postcolonial knowledge.Summing upThis Collaboration Area Four enabled us to present and test our collaborativePAR model in a wider context, across disciplines and sectors, whilemaintaining a decolonising intent of privileging and embedding researchrelated activities in Aboriginal preferred ways of knowing and doing. Togethera team of interested co-researchers (Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal) and Iplanned, implemented and evaluated a national action research, action learningconference, underpinned by concepts of Ganma two-way knowledge sharing,Dadirri respectful listening, cultural safety and PAR collaboration as both aprocess and an outcome. Co-researchers and stakeholders generally found theconference a positive, life enhancing, and for some, a life changing experience.A few found it very challenging, or that it did not suit their needs, indicatingthat this approach does not suit every situation or personal need. Overall, thisactivity enabled us to level the playing field, activate de-colonisation strategiesand support the sharing of knowledge in a diverse range of oral, audio, visual,kinaesthetic and experiential ways. Co-researchers reflected that they enjoyedworking in a collaborative and supportive team, rather than competitively, andthat the outcome surpassed our expectations.320