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

Moving Forward TogetherJanet Kellyresearcher known by the community, I was perceived as trustworthy andappropriate by the co-researchers, particularly Aboriginal community women.They felt that my motivation for being involved in the research was moretransparent, it was perceived to relate to my nursing role of improving healthcare for Aboriginal women. There were however advantages and disadvantagesin the relationship of nurse researcher. At times ethical issues arose, and I hadto choose between my nursing and research priorities.As discussed, co-creating a collaborative PAR process increased ownership ofthe research by co-researchers and lessened the threat of research. Sharingroles in all stages of development increased opportunities for capacity buildingin group skills, decision making, negotiation, project planning, evaluation andpublic speaking. Using a range of methods, and encouraging co-researchers tochoose which method they preferred to use and be involved in, reaffirmedthese women’s right to choose. Having opportunities to review transcripts frominterviews and focus groups was also significant as a way for co-researchers torecognise their own knowledge and choose how, and in what form, theywished to share this knowledge with others. Drawing from postcolonialfeminism enabled me to consider multiple perspectives and diversity. Ratherthan assuming homogeneity, unique needs and experiences were able to berecognised and accommodated.ChallengesThis research involved identifying and responding to the individual andcollective needs of diverse groups of co-researchers and stakeholders. Apossible disadvantage of working at one site was that this research presents a‘single’ view of health care and collaboration, however generalisation was notintended and this project process may well be transferable to other settings.Working in collaboration across the four Collaboration Areas was challenging.I needed to increase my skills in flexibility, patience, trust in people and thePAR process, and believe in positive outcomes and our collective ability tocreate win-win solutions. This process required me to become comfortablewith not being in control of the process. Specific challenges included beingunable to work directly with the majority of young Aboriginal women inCollaboration Area Three due to changing youth programs and important346