Working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities

1. Working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities

2. Learning objectives • Be aware of the cultural issues that need to be considered when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities • Understand the need for protocols when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

3. New experiences Provides an opportunity to: • learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and their perspectives on health • see other perspectives on health • experience different models of health care

4. New experiences • Being part of a culture that is different • Understanding and accepting a change of status • Working in an unfamiliar model of health care • Working in a culture with a very different view of health, health care and health priorities

5. Working effectively The following slides will look at 11 general protocols for working effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities Edwards T, Smith J, Smith RJ, Elston J in Smith J (2007)

6. Stand back, observe, listen, hear and wait Most important principles: • you are a guest of the community • what you see, hear and learn will be influenced by your experiences • remain open minded Edwards T, Smith J, Smith RJ, Elston J in Smith J (2007)

7. Get to know the local community • Traditional owners • Elders • Key organisations and people • History • Language • Appreciate your position • Do not assume anything Edwards T, Smith J, Smith RJ, Elston J in Smith J (2007)

8. Find a Mentor • Find a cultural contact before you arrive • Utilise local cultural experts • Acknowledge their expertise • Seek their support • Accept their advice Edwards T, Smith J, Smith RJ, Elston J in Smith J (2007)

9. Be open-minded • Try to understand • Make an effort to learn • Do not judge what you hear • Be patient • Let the community take the lead Edwards T, Smith J, Smith RJ, Elston J in Smith J (2007)

10. Assume nothing • Experience in one community doesn’t make you an expert in another. Instead it: • Can make you culturally unsafe in another • Each community is unique and must be approached as such Edwards T, Smith J, Smith RJ, Elston J in Smith J (2007)

11. Be aware of racist behaviour Influenced by: • our own cultural background Can include: • stereotyping • paternalistic and patronising behaviour • racist jokes • name calling Edwards T, Smith J, Smith RJ, Elston J in Smith J (2007)

12. Retain your sense of humour • Try to see the humorous side of things • Be prepared for setbacks • Accept and acknowledge your setbacks Edwards T, Smith J, Smith RJ, Elston J in Smith J (2007)

13. Community control • Your skills will be used to supplement existing skills and knowledge • The community will make the decisions that ensure the best interests of the people are met. Edwards T, Smith J, Smith RJ, Elston J in Smith J (2007)

14. Staff turnover • Staff turnover is high • You are not the expert • Accept this and make the most of your time to look, listen and learn. • The experience will be very valuable Edwards T, Smith J, Smith RJ, Elston J in Smith J (2007)

15. Learning Activity Please complete the learning activity