Collections with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

Collections with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

“Having a better understanding of the cultures and challenges faced by Aboriginal people means I can help to bridge the gap and encourage people to have a voice with regards to health service”

Collector

Appropriate care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is person-centred and meets their needs, expectations, rights, and those of their family. Cultural safety means that people have the power to influence care which supports positive patient-centred outcomes.

Here are several things we must do:

• Have conversations with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and services to understand how your service delivery and the physical environment can be more culturally welcoming, so patient’s feel comfortable within the clinic.

As Ange, our Aboriginal Training Coordinator told us, this can include “Symbols, Flags, Totems, Artwork, Nation’s map and Poster of Acknowledgement of Country.” • Be mindful and understanding of the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the diversity of traditions, processes and language • Be understanding and respecting that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people often bring family with them

What helps

Communicating well. Aimee, our Change Manager, advises that some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can feel shy or unconfident, and so we need to be friendly and communicate clearly. Avoid lots of technical jargon and check in that the patient understands what’s happening.

Being conscious about physical contact to respect men’s and women’s business.

Not making assumptions or questioning people’s

identity. Our Aboriginal Training Officer, Nathalie explains “That’s really important if you want to make it a comfortable space…and have cultural safety”.

Being accepting of and respecting different cultures. Leisa from Kempsey explains that “Some Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples will not look others in the eye, this is out of respect, and we need to be aware of, and realise this is a cultural difference”.

Check out NSWHP’s work on Closing the Gap and our Reconciliation Action Plan, at pathology.health.nsw.gov.au and go to Closing the Gap.

What hinders

Mimicking people’s ways of speaking.

Using inappropriate terminology. Don’t use offensive terms to describe or address Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Being biased or judgemental.

Don’t assume the way Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people may speak reflects a person’s understanding of the procedure.

Don’t judge or assume anything. Don’t judge if Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people speak a little differently, don’t make eye contact, or appear withdrawn and shy.

Not appreciating the challenges faced by Aboriginal and

Torres Strait Islander people. This can include trauma, that is not understood, that has been experienced by many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This may lead to nervousness in a healthcare setting.