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DETAILS DETAILS LOCATION LOCATION OPTI OPTI 4 LAYOUT LAYOUT In this issue 1. CEO Welcome 2. CATSINaM Hall of Fame & Fellows 3. Our 2016 Conference 4. South Pacific Nurses Forum 5. Health Curriculum Framework 6. CATSINaM at a national level 7. Upcoming events 8. Membership 9. Key Indicators 2016 10. Research projects 11. Clinical placements - an interview with C.West If you cannot read this email please view online. December 2016 CATSINaM Newsletter Thank you As 2016 draws to an end the CATSINaM Board, CEO and Stasends our best wishes for a safe and relaxing holiday over the Christmas/New Year break and we look forward to sharing 2017 with you. The secretariat will be closed from the 22nd of December through to the 9th of January 2017. CLOSE SEND TO YOURSELF Quick Preview: December Newsletter - CATSINaM

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December Newsletter - CATSINaM

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Empty rowIf you cannot read this email please view online.

Empty row

Empty rowDecember 2016 CATSINaM Newsletter

Empty rowIn this issue1. CEO Welcome2. CATSINaM Hall of Fame & Fellows3. Our 2016 Conference4. South Pacific Nurses Forum5. Health Curriculum Framework6. CATSINaM at a national level

Empty row7. Upcoming events8. Membership9. Key Indicators 201610. Research projects11. Clinical placements - an interview with C.West

Empty rowThank you

Empty rowAs 2016 draws to an end the CATSINaM Board, CEO and Staff sends our best wishes for a safe and relaxing holiday over the Christmas/New Year break and we look forward to sharing 2017 with you.

Empty row

Empty rowThe secretariat will be closed from the 22nd of December through to the 9th of January 2017.

2

LAYOUTLAYOUT

In this issue1. CEO Welcome2. CATSINaM Hall of Fame & Fellows3. Our 2016 Conference4. South Pacific Nurses Forum5. Health Curriculum Framework6. CATSINaM at a national level

7. Upcoming events8. Membership9. Key Indicators 201610. Research projects11. Clinical placements - an interview with C.West

If you cannot read this email please view online.

December 2016 CATSINaM Newsletter

Thank you

As 2016 draws to an end the CATSINaM Board, CEO and Staff sends our bestwishes for a safe and relaxing holiday over the Christmas/New Year break and welook forward to sharing 2017 with you.

The secretariat will be closed from the 22nd of December through to the 9th ofJanuary 2017.

CLOSE SEND TO YOURSELFQuick Preview: December Newsletter - CATSINaM

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Empty row Empty row

Empty rowCEO WELCOMEIn this last quarter, CATSINaM realised a long-held aspiration to expand our annual conference into an international space where we can reflect on our journeys and share our learnings and aspirations with First Nations nurses and midwives. To pay respect to this achievement, the ‘Unmasking our collective history and pride in our global identity’ International Health Workforce Meeting and associated events held from November 6-8th is a strong feature of this newsletter.

The Board and Secretariat would like to thank every person who played a role in the conference, and contributed to the wonderful atmosphere that was created from our ‘Hall of Fame’ dinner on the Sunday night, through to the closure of the Conference on Monday evening. We also appreciate the Members who made it through to the final component of the conference, the Annual General Meeting held early Tuesday morning.

Another feature of the last three months is the many opportunities CATSINaM has had to speak to or write for audiences who include important stakeholders that we hope will play a role in working with us to achieve our strategic directions. These have included presentations to the Council of Deans of Nursing and Midwifery, the South Pacific Nurses Forum, the National Press Club, the Chief Nurses and Midwives, National Rural Health Alliance, National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation and many more. These opportunities allow us to educate others about CATSINaM, our history, membership and both current and future work. We can land critical messages about the role they can and need to play in increasing and supporting the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nursing and midwifery workforce, and improving health experiences and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.

At the request of the Croakey online health publication, I wrote a piece in October on ‘A call to acknowledge the harmful history of nursing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’ (https://croakey.org/a-call-to-acknowledge-the-harmful-history-of-nursing-for-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-people/). It contributed to Croakey’s work on highlighting the impact of the ‘lock hospitals’ on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the late 1800s and early 1900s, in which Lynore Geia (a CATSINaM Member) has been involved.

The piece canvassed the idea of the nursing profession making a formal apology for their involvement in colonising and harmful practices, similarly to the decision taken by the Australian Psychological Society. This has generated some responses already, and we trust this conversation will continue in 2017 as the nursing profession reflects on its next steps in contributing to improved health experiences and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.

As we come into the Christmas/New Year period, we know a substantial proportion of you may be working in frontline health services to provide care and support to our communities. On behalf of CATSINaM and our wider membership we thank you for the wonderful work you do, and hope it is a safe and joyful time for you and your families. For those of you enjoying a break from work, we hope it is relaxing and restorative. We look forward to our work with you in 2017 as we keep aspiring

CEO WELCOMEIn this last quarter, CATSINaM realised a long-held aspiration to expand our annualconference into an international space where we can reflect on our journeys andshare our learnings and aspirations with First Nations nurses and midwives. To payrespect to this achievement, the ‘Unmasking our collective history and pride in ourglobal identity’ International Health Workforce Meeting and associated events heldfrom November 6-8th is a strong feature of this newsletter.

The Board and Secretariat would like to thank every person who played a role inthe conference, and contributed to the wonderful atmosphere that was createdfrom our ‘Hall of Fame’ dinner on the Sunday night, through to the closure of theConference on Monday evening. We also appreciate the Members who made itthrough to the final component of the conference, the Annual General Meeting heldearly Tuesday morning.

Another feature of the last three months is the many opportunities CATSINaM hashad to speak to or write for audiences who include important stakeholders that wehope will play a role in working with us to achieve our strategic directions. Thesehave included presentations to the Council of Deans of Nursing and Midwifery, theSouth Pacific Nurses Forum, the National Press Club, the Chief Nurses andMidwives, National Rural Health Alliance, National Aboriginal CommunityControlled Health Organisation, Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation andmany more. These opportunities allow us to educate others about CATSINaM, ourhistory, membership and both current and future work. We can land criticalmessages about the role they can and need to play in increasing and supportingthe Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nursing and midwifery workforce, andimproving health experiences and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres StraitIslander Australians.

At the request of the Croakey online health publication, I wrote a piece in Octoberon ‘A call to acknowledge the harmful history of nursing for Aboriginal and TorresStrait Islander people’ (https://croakey.org/a-call-to-acknowledge-the-harmful-history-of-nursing-for-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-people/). It contributedto Croakey’s work on highlighting the impact of the ‘lock hospitals’ on Aboriginaland Torres Strait Islander peoples in the late 1800s and early 1900s, in whichLynore Geia (a CATSINaM Member) has been involved.

The piece canvassed the idea of the nursing profession making a formal apologyfor their involvement in colonising and harmful practices, similarly to the decisiontaken by the Australian Psychological Society. This has generated some responsesalready, and we trust this conversation will continue in 2017 as the nursingprofession reflects on its next steps in contributing to improved health experiencesand outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.

As we come into the Christmas/New Year period, we know a substantial proportionof you may be working in frontline health services to provide care and support toour communities. On behalf of CATSINaM and our wider membership we thankyou for the wonderful work you do, and hope it is a safe and joyful time for you andyour families. For those of you enjoying a break from work, we hope it is relaxingand restorative. We look forward to our work with you in 2017 as we keep aspiringto realise our personal and collective hopes and aspirations.

Kind regards,Janine Mohamed

Who joined the CATSINaM Hall ofFame? Who are our CATSINaM

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to realise our personal and collective hopes and aspirations.

Kind regards,Janine Mohamed

Empty rowWho joined the CATSINaM Hall of Fame? Who are our CATSINaM Fellows?

Empty row

Empty rowA photo of our VIP attendees at our Hall of Fame Gala Dinner

Empty rowYou have been hearing about the CATSINaM Hall of Fame and the new title ‘Fellow of CATSINaM’ for six months – so what has happened? On November 6th we held the CATSINaM Inaugural Hall of Fame gala dinner as the lead-in event to our annual conference. The evening was a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership.

The CATSINaM Hall of Fame recognises the trailblazing heroines and heroes of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nursing and midwifery sector who paved the way for so many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurses and midwives that followed. The CATSINaM Fellowships are awarded by the Board as recognition of the significant professional achievements of awardees within the nursing and midwifery profession. Fellows are selected through a process.

To an extended applause, the CATSINaM President, Shane Mohor inducted Dr Sally Gould as the first Member of the CATSINaM Hall of Fame, then announced Dr Doseena Fergie and Professor Rhonda Marriot as the first two CATSINaM Fellows. The honours bestowed on these three amazing women are consistent with the following statement from Shane’s speech.

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Empty rowWe want to extend this honouring by sharing the introductory speeches for each inductee with the whole membership.

Empty rowSpeech for Dr Sally Goold

It was probably the worst kept secret that Dr Sally Goold O-A-M is to be honoured here tonight. Born in Narrandera, Sally is a Wiradjuri woman who conquered discrimination to become the first Indigenous registered nurse in New South Wales. To name just a few of her career highlights, Sally helped establish the Aboriginal Medical Service in Redfern and lectured at the Queensland University of Technology’s School of Nursing.

Fame? Who are our CATSINaMFellows?

A photo of our VIP attendees at our Hall of Fame Gala Dinner

You have been hearing about the CATSINaM Hall of Fame and the new title ‘Fellowof CATSINaM’ for six months – so what has happened? On November 6th we heldthe CATSINaM Inaugural Hall of Fame gala dinner as the lead-in event to ourannual conference. The evening was a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres StraitIslander leadership.

The CATSINaM Hall of Fame recognises the trailblazing heroines and heroes of theAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nursing and midwifery sector who paved theway for so many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurses and midwives thatfollowed. The CATSINaM Fellowships are awarded by the Board as recognition ofthe significant professional achievements of awardees within the nursing andmidwifery profession. Fellows are selected through a process.

To an extended applause, the CATSINaM President, Shane Mohor inducted DrSally Gould as the first Member of the CATSINaM Hall of Fame, then announcedDr Doseena Fergie and Professor Rhonda Marriot as the first two CATSINaMFellows. The honours bestowed on these three amazing women are consistentwith the following statement from Shane’s speech.

We want to extend this honouring by sharing the introductory speeches for eachinductee with the whole membership.

Speech for Dr Sally Goold

It was probably the worst kept secret that Dr Sally Goold O-A-M is to be honouredhere tonight. Born in Narrandera, Sally is a Wiradjuri woman who conquereddiscrimination to become the first Indigenous registered nurse in New South Wales.To name just a few of her career highlights, Sally helped establish the AboriginalMedical Service in Redfern and lectured at the Queensland University ofTechnology’s School of Nursing. Throughout her journey, Sally questioned why there were so few Aboriginal andTorres Strait Islander nurses. That question sparked an idea that would advance therecruitment of our peoples into nursing and midwifery for generations to come.Sally was instrumental in forming CATSIN, and was appointed our organisation’sfounding Executive Director.

Sally’s leadership, courage and determination has elevated opportunities forAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurses. Sally has paved the way for us to thinkwe could possibly become a nurse or a midwife. For us to all become heroes - forus to work to redefine our people’s health.

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Throughout her journey, Sally questioned why there were so few Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurses. That question sparked an idea that would advance the recruitment of our peoples into nursing and midwifery for generations to come. Sally was instrumental in forming CATSIN, and was appointed our organisation’s founding Executive Director.

Sally’s leadership, courage and determination has elevated opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurses. Sally has paved the way for us to think we could possibly become a nurse or a midwife. For us to all become heroes - for us to work to redefine our people’s health.

Empty row Empty row

Empty rowSpeech for Dr Doseena Fergie

Dr Doseena Fergie has dedicated her life to helping others and has always used her positions within the health sector and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities’ to give back. For more than 35 years she has worked as a nurse and midwife, providing direct care to the community. Her academic work has in turn championed improved health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, with themes of women’s leadership emerging through her work.

Dr Fergie has been a long serving member of CATSINaM and has championed increased Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nursing and midwifery numbers across Victoria.

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Empty rowSpeech for Professor Rhonda Marriott

Professor Rhonda Marriott is an inspirational Aboriginal midwifery leader who has dedicated her working life to the professions of nursing and midwifery. This includes 45 years of experience in clinical positions. Academically she has had a distinguished career that includes becoming the first Indigenous Head of a

us to work to redefine our people’s health.

Speech for Dr Doseena Fergie

Dr Doseena Fergie has dedicated her life to helping others and has always used herpositions within the health sector and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islandercommunities’ to give back. For more than 35 years she has worked as a nurse andmidwife, providing direct care to the community. Her academic work has in turnchampioned improved health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanderpeople, with themes of women’s leadership emerging through her work.

Dr Fergie has been a long serving member of CATSINaM and has championedincreased Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nursing and midwifery numbersacross Victoria.

Speech for Professor Rhonda Marriott

Professor Rhonda Marriott is an inspirational Aboriginal midwifery leader who hasdedicated her working life to the professions of nursing and midwifery. Thisincludes 45 years of experience in clinical positions. Academically she has had adistinguished career that includes becoming the first Indigenous Head of aUniversity School of Nursing in Australia.

As a CATSINaM Member Professor Marriot was a key player in the development ofour recent; Birthing on Country Position Statement; in partnership with theAustralian College of Midwives and CRANAPlus. The position statement upholdsthe right to practices of Birthing on Country as an integrated, holistic and culturallyappropriate model of care.

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University School of Nursing in Australia.

As a CATSINaM Member Professor Marriot was a key player in the development of our recent; Birthing on Country Position Statement; in partnership with the Australian College of Midwives and CRANAPlus. The position statement upholds the right to practices of Birthing on Country as an integrated, holistic and culturally appropriate model of care.

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Empty row

Empty row‘Unmasking our collective history and pride in our global identity’: Our 2016 Conference

Empty rowMessages from our speakers

Empty rowThis was the theme of our 2016 CATSINaM Conference, designed as an international health workforce meeting that brought together eleven high profile First Nations nurses, midwives and leaders in the health sector from five countries: Australia, Aotearoa/New Zealand, Canada, USA (Hawai`I specifically) and Norway.

In their opening oration, a wonderful atmosphere was created through the sharings of three Ngangkari from the Ngaanyatjarra, Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara Women's Council (NPY Women's Council) who shared how they work with local health clinics to ensure cultural knowledge and healing is part of the response. They reminded us about the importance of caring for our spirit.

“If they have lost their spirit, it is somewhere. My job is to find that spirit and place it back where it belongs in the body.”

We were further immersed in culture as Shane Mohor acknowledged and welcomed our international guests. Each group performed their cultural protocol of greetings and an exchange of gifts with the CATSINaM, setting the scene for the conference through their generosity of spirit, sharing of wisdom, and acknowledgement of resilience in navigating the impact of colonisation, and recovering and honouring health traditions.

Empty row

‘Unmasking our collective history andpride in our global identity’: Our 2016Conference

Messages from our speakers

This was the theme of our 2016 CATSINaM Conference, designed as aninternational health workforce meeting that brought together eleven high profileFirst Nations nurses, midwives and leaders in the health sector from fivecountries: Australia, Aotearoa/New Zealand, Canada, USA (Hawai`I specifically)and Norway.

In their opening oration, a wonderful atmosphere was created through the sharingsof three Ngangkari from the Ngaanyatjarra, Pitjantjatjara and YankunytjatjaraWomen's Council (NPY Women's Council) who shared how they work with localhealth clinics to ensure cultural knowledge and healing is part of the response.They reminded us about the importance of caring for our spirit.

“If they have lost their spirit, it is somewhere. My job is to find thatspirit and place it back where it belongs in the body.”

We were further immersed in culture as Shane Mohor acknowledged andwelcomed our international guests. Each group performed their cultural protocol ofgreetings and an exchange of gifts with the CATSINaM, setting the scene for theconference through their generosity of spirit, sharing of wisdom, andacknowledgement of resilience in navigating the impact of colonisation, andrecovering and honouring health traditions.

Professor Alex Brown (Director, Wardliparingga Unit, SA Health & MedicalResearch Institute) posed a provocative question - can Aboriginal People save theworld? He shared his journey of being interested in ‘closing the gap’ for a longtime, well before it became a catchy term, and described how doing this involvesunderstanding and overcoming inequalities, addressing racism and buildingsustainable health care financing so we can “move from surviving to thriving.” So...

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Empty rowProfessor Alex Brown (Director, Wardliparingga Unit, SA Health & Medical Research Institute) posed a provocative question - can Aboriginal People save the world? He shared his journey of being interested in ‘closing the gap’ for a long time, well before it became a catchy term, and described how doing this involves understanding and overcoming inequalities, addressing racism and building sustainable health care financing so we can “move from surviving to thriving.” So...

“Can Aboriginal people save the world?You bet we can, you just need to let us.”

Empty rowAn original CATSINaM Member, Professor Gracelyn Smallwood provided an overview of Australia’s nursing and midwifery history based on the PhD work of another CATSINaM Member, Dr Odette Best. She shared the story of May Yarrowyck who was born in 1876 and believed to be the first western-trained Aboriginal nurse; she was listed as registered in 1907. This is an important part of much needed ‘truth telling’ in Australia about our real history. Gracelyn highlighted this need by sharing an interaction with the late Nelson Mandela where he commented that…

“In South Africa we are having reconciliation with the truth. In my sister’s country they are trying to reconcile without the truth.”

Empty rowMoana Jackson (Director of Ngā Kaiwhakamārama i ngā Ture and Lecturer at Te Wānanga o Raukawa, Ōtaki) is a lawyer who has worked with the health sector in Aotearoa/New Zealand, including nursing and midwifery, and was elected Chair of the Indigenous Peoples’ Caucus of the United Nations working group on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. He talked about “walking around the wall that has been erected to contain Indigenous peoples through colonisation”. He spoke about drawing on hope, courage, truth telling and the strength of our cultural traditions.

“We’ve been taught not to talk about our freedom, as if the only one is what the coloniser defines for us. A truly well person lives freedom as they define it - that is connected to the collective of which they belong….The freedom to be well, to walk proudly in this world as an Indigenous person of this land. When we can all do that we have achieved the aims of Indigenous good health.”

Empty row Empty row

Empty rowIn her work as Kaiwhakahaere of the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNOO), Kerri Nuku leads work that is similar to what CATSINaM does, but as part of the national nursing organisation where she works alongside the NZNO President to articulate the concerns and voices of Indigenous people. Consistent with Moana’s messages, Keri explained the approach they have adopted in gaining greater recognition for the contribution of Maori nurses and midwives…

“If we were to wait for permission, it would never come. We must realise our freedom to decide who we are and want to be in this

sustainable health care financing so we can “move from surviving to thriving.” So...

“Can Aboriginal people save the world?You bet we can, you just need to let us.”

An original CATSINaM Member, Professor Gracelyn Smallwood provided anoverview of Australia’s nursing and midwifery history based on the PhD work ofanother CATSINaM Member, Dr Odette Best. She shared the story of MayYarrowyck who was born in 1876 and believed to be the first western-trainedAboriginal nurse; she was listed as registered in 1907. This is an important part ofmuch needed ‘truth telling’ in Australia about our real history. Gracelyn highlightedthis need by sharing an interaction with the late Nelson Mandela where hecommented that…

“In South Africa we are having reconciliation with the truth. In mysister’s country they are trying to reconcile without the truth.”

Moana Jackson (Director of Ngā Kaiwhakamārama i ngā Ture and Lecturer at TeWānanga o Raukawa, Ōtaki) is a lawyer who has worked with the health sector inAotearoa/New Zealand, including nursing and midwifery, and was elected Chair ofthe Indigenous Peoples’ Caucus of the United Nations working group on theRights of Indigenous Peoples. He talked about “walking around the wall that hasbeen erected to contain Indigenous peoples through colonisation”. He spokeabout drawing on hope, courage, truth telling and the strength of our culturaltraditions.

“We’ve been taught not to talk about our freedom, as if the onlyone is what the coloniser defines for us. A truly well person livesfreedom as they define it - that is connected to the collective ofwhich they belong….The freedom to be well, to walk proudly inthis world as an Indigenous person of this land. When we can alldo that we have achieved the aims of Indigenous good health.”

In her work as Kaiwhakahaere of the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNOO),Kerri Nuku leads work that is similar to what CATSINaM does, but as part of thenational nursing organisation where she works alongside the NZNO President toarticulate the concerns and voices of Indigenous people. Consistent with Moana’smessages, Keri explained the approach they have adopted in gaining greaterrecognition for the contribution of Maori nurses and midwives…

“If we were to wait for permission, it would never come. We mustrealise our freedom to decide who we are and want to be in this

world.”

Dr Nina Siversten, Sea-Sámi from Northern Norway and Lecturer at FlindersUniversity, shared the little known story of her people’s colonisation experience inwhat is thought to be one of the most socially democratic countries in the world.This involved 250 years of assimilation policy, forced residential schooling – stolengenerations, and erasing of Sámi language, culture and traditions; a policy thatonly formally ended in 1987. She explained that like Australia and other colonisedcountries, Sámi are operating in a health system that is divorced from their cultureand language, and struggles with retention of its workforce in arctic, rural andremote areas.

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world.”

Empty rowDr Nina Siversten, Sea-Sámi from Northern Norway and Lecturer at Flinders University, shared the little known story of her people’s colonisation experience in what is thought to be one of the most socially democratic countries in the world. This involved 250 years of assimilation policy, forced residential schooling – stolen generations, and erasing of Sámi language, culture and traditions; a policy that only formally ended in 1987. She explained that like Australia and other colonised countries, Sámi are operating in a health system that is divorced from their culture and language, and struggles with retention of its workforce in arctic, rural and remote areas.

Empty row

Empty rowOur friends from Alberta, Madeleine Dion Stout (a Cree speaker, Kehewin Nation) and Dr Lisa Bourque-Bearskin (Lake Cree Nation in Alberta and Associate Professor of Nursing, Thompson River University), spoke from the wealth of their distinguished careers in nursing, including with the Canadian Indigenous Nurses Organisation. Dion drew on the words and song lines of the Cree language to unpack how we can operate effectively as First Nations health professionals in a western system, while also caring for self while we care for others.

“Culture is the art and act of living life as ceremony – we stock up and pool our resources and provide give-aways, share our gifts through take aways and anticipate future needs by re-gifting.”

Empty rowLisa reflected on the journey of the Canadian Indigenous Nurses Organisation, and how they are responding to ‘calls to action’, not unlike CATSINaM. In her recently completed graduate studies, her personal call to action was to reclaim “our nursing bundles and the role of traditional healers” and explore how “Indigenous philosophy was manifesting in nursing practice” so we can “learn to be true to our own Indigeneity”.

Empty row Empty row

Empty rowDr. Jamie Kamailani Boyd (Associate Professor at the University of Hawai`i) outlined the impact of colonisation on the islands of Hawai`i and the development of health services and the role of Hawai`in people within it. She explained that “nursing history is very small, but the future is grand”, and provided wonderful examples of how her work to recruit and retain a small number of Hawai`in nursing students, including through the joint creation of culturally grounded curriculum and textbooks that do not exist in the university system. There is “no cultural safety training in Hawai`i, just a checklist of ‘things’ to know about Hawai`in people”

Our friends from Alberta, Madeleine Dion Stout (a Cree speaker, Kehewin Nation)and Dr Lisa Bourque-Bearskin (Lake Cree Nation in Alberta and AssociateProfessor of Nursing, Thompson River University), spoke from the wealth of theirdistinguished careers in nursing, including with the Canadian Indigenous NursesOrganisation. Dion drew on the words and song lines of the Cree language tounpack how we can operate effectively as First Nations health professionals in awestern system, while also caring for self while we care for others.

“Culture is the art and act of living life as ceremony – we stock upand pool our resources and provide give-aways, share our giftsthrough take aways and anticipate future needs by re-gifting.”

Lisa reflected on the journey of the Canadian Indigenous Nurses Organisation, andhow they are responding to ‘calls to action’, not unlike CATSINaM. In her recentlycompleted graduate studies, her personal call to action was to reclaim “ournursing bundles and the role of traditional healers” and explore how “Indigenousphilosophy was manifesting in nursing practice” so we can “learn to be true to ourown Indigeneity”.

Dr. Jamie Kamailani Boyd (Associate Professor at the University of Hawai`i)outlined the impact of colonisation on the islands of Hawai`i and the developmentof health services and the role of Hawai`in people within it. She explained that“nursing history is very small, but the future is grand”, and provided wonderfulexamples of how her work to recruit and retain a small number of Hawai`in nursingstudents, including through the joint creation of culturally grounded curriculum andtextbooks that do not exist in the university system. There is “no cultural safetytraining in Hawai`i, just a checklist of ‘things’ to know about Hawai`in people”

Sharon Kaiulani Odom is a dietician and the ROOTS Program Director, KokuaKalihi Valley Health Center, Hawai`i. She spoke on how their program focuses onbirthing from a cultural perspective so it reclaims the respect it originally had priorto colonisation. What began as a passion undertaken outside of work hasdeveloped into a complete program from early pregnancy to postnatal thatinvolves both mothers and fathers.

“We take our families through our land to introduce them toeverything they can use. If you take them when you are pregnant,your child can say they were born knowing these plants. This is

what we mean by birthing a nation, bringing all of culture with youinto life.”

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Empty rowSharon Kaiulani Odom is a dietician and the ROOTS Program Director, Kokua Kalihi Valley Health Center, Hawai`i. She spoke on how their program focuses on birthing from a cultural perspective so it reclaims the respect it originally had prior to colonisation. What began as a passion undertaken outside of work has developed into a complete program from early pregnancy to postnatal that involves both mothers and fathers.

“We take our families through our land to introduce them to everything they can use. If you take them when you are pregnant, your child can say they were born knowing these plants. This is

what we mean by birthing a nation, bringing all of culture with you into life.”

Empty row Empty row

Empty rowAn introduction to the HealthFusion Team Challenge was given by Donna Murray who is the CEO of Indigenous Allied Health Australia – a sibling organisation to CATSINaM. This annual event is one of their responses to the needs of isolated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students across the allied health spectrum. Although the challenges started as a mainstream initiative, IAHA has adapted it so it is culturally safe and responsive, and offers their students a completely unique experience as it is a “holistic and inter-professional approach that builds connection and keeps culture central in our work”. Donna issued an invitation to participate to the CATSINaM membership, to strengthen relationships between nurses, midwives and allied health Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

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Empty rowA commitment to collective endeavour for shared goals

Empty rowThe final panel ‘Songlines’ session focused on how we can consolidate our collaboration as First Nations nurses and midwives. It closed with signing a ‘Statement of commitment’, where each signatory committed to participate in a process to explore the viability and value of the establishment of an Alliance amongst First Nations’ nursing and midwifery organisations. The diagram below

into life.”

An introduction to the HealthFusion Team Challenge was given by Donna Murraywho is the CEO of Indigenous Allied Health Australia – a sibling organisation toCATSINaM. This annual event is one of their responses to the needs of isolatedAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students across the allied health spectrum.Although the challenges started as a mainstream initiative, IAHA has adapted it soit is culturally safe and responsive, and offers their students a completely uniqueexperience as it is a “holistic and inter-professional approach that buildsconnection and keeps culture central in our work”. Donna issued an invitation toparticipate to the CATSINaM membership, to strengthen relationships betweennurses, midwives and allied health Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

A commitment to collective endeavourfor shared goals

The final panel ‘Songlines’ session focused on how we can consolidate ourcollaboration as First Nations nurses and midwives. It closed with signing a‘Statement of commitment’, where each signatory committed to participate in aprocess to explore the viability and value of the establishment of an Allianceamongst First Nations’ nursing and midwifery organisations. The diagram belowoutlines the suggested process – we will share this journey with you through theNewsletter and other events.

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outlines the suggested process – we will share this journey with you through the Newsletter and other events.

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Empty rowCATSINaM at the South Pacific Nurses Forum

Empty rowShane Mohor and Janine Mohamed represented CATSINaM at the 2016 South Pacific Nurses Forum held in the Solomon Islands from 31st October – 4th November. The conference theme was ‘Towards Nursing Excellence for Universal Health’ and brought together evidence, experience and innovations highlighting nursing contribution to Universal Health Coverage and demonstrating how nurses are important to ensuring access and quality of health care for all.

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Janine presented on ‘Our Global Identity as Indigenous Nurses and Midwives’ that reflected on the growth in and representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait

CATSINaM at the South Pacific NursesForum

Shane Mohor and Janine Mohamed represented CATSINaM at the 2016 SouthPacific Nurses Forum held in the Solomon Islands from 31st October – 4thNovember. The conference theme was ‘Towards Nursing Excellence for UniversalHealth’ and brought together evidence, experience and innovations highlightingnursing contribution to Universal Health Coverage and demonstrating how nursesare important to ensuring access and quality of health care for all.

Janine presented on ‘Our Global Identity as Indigenous Nurses and Midwives’ thatreflected on the growth in and representation of Aboriginal and Torres StraitIslander nurses and midwives in Australia, our advocacy work on recognising theuniqueness of and growing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nursing andmidwifery workforce, and the value we see in building our relationships across theSouth Pacific with First Nations nurses and midwives. Shane and Janine had theopportunity to put this into action, as they met with several of the speakers comingto our November 2016 International Health Workforce Conference.

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Empty rowIslander nurses and midwives in Australia, our advocacy work on recognising the uniqueness of and growing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nursing and midwifery workforce, and the value we see in building our relationships across the South Pacific with First Nations nurses and midwives. Shane and Janine had the opportunity to put this into action, as they met with several of the speakers coming to our November 2016 International Health Workforce Conference.

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Empty rowThe Nursing and Midwifery Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Curriculum Framework Initiative

Empty rowWith the support of the Initiative Steering Group, we are making rapid progress in developing the Nursing and Midwifery Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Curriculum Framework (N&M Framework). The finishing touches are being put on the Final Draft version of the N&M Framework. This will be shared with nursing and midwifery higher education providers through a series of jurisdictional workshop in early 2017, advertised to all Schools of Nursing and Midwifery in November.

If you work in higher education and have not yet heard about the Orientation Workshops, then please check with your Head of School of Nursing and Midwifery who was sent the information - you are able register from now up until three weeks prior to a workshop date.

The purpose of the Orientation Workshop is for higher education providers to:

gain an orientation to the Nursing and Midwifery Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Curriculum Framework (N&M Framework) and its relationship to the original Frameworkstart identifying how to map and transition your existing curriculum to meet the recommended benchmarks in the N&M Frameworklearn about resources that can assist implementation of the N&M Frameworkdiscuss whether a ‘Companion Document’ with good practice exemplars should be developed to accompany the Framework and if so, what to include in it.

The confirmed CATSINaM-led January/February 2017 workshops are:

Townsville: January 30th (8.30-2.30), James Cook UniversityBrisbane: January 31st (9.00-3.00), University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich campusAdelaide: February 6th (9.00-3.00), University of South Australia, City East campusPerth: February 7th (9.00-3.00), Curtin UniversitySydney: February 9th (9.00-3.00), Western Sydney University, Parramatta South campus

The Nursing and Midwifery Aboriginaland Torres Strait Islander HealthCurriculum Framework Initiative

With the support of the Initiative Steering Group, we are making rapid progress indeveloping the Nursing and Midwifery Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander HealthCurriculum Framework (N&M Framework). The finishing touches are being put onthe Final Draft version of the N&M Framework. This will be shared with nursing andmidwifery higher education providers through a series of jurisdictional workshop inearly 2017, advertised to all Schools of Nursing and Midwifery in November.

If you work in higher education and have not yet heard about the OrientationWorkshops, then please check with your Head of School of Nursing and Midwiferywho was sent the information - you are able register from now up until three weeksprior to a workshop date.

The purpose of the Orientation Workshop is for higher education providers to:

gain an orientation to the Nursing and Midwifery Aboriginal and Torres StraitIslander Health Curriculum Framework (N&M Framework) and its relationshipto the original Frameworkstart identifying how to map and transition your existing curriculum to meetthe recommended benchmarks in the N&M Frameworklearn about resources that can assist implementation of the N&M Frameworkdiscuss whether a ‘Companion Document’ with good practice exemplarsshould be developed to accompany the Framework and if so, what toinclude in it.

The confirmed CATSINaM-led January/February 2017 workshops are:

Townsville: January 30th (8.30-2.30), James Cook UniversityBrisbane: January 31st (9.00-3.00), University of Southern Queensland, IpswichcampusAdelaide: February 6th (9.00-3.00), University of South Australia, City East campusPerth: February 7th (9.00-3.00), Curtin UniversitySydney: February 9th (9.00-3.00), Western Sydney University, Parramatta SouthcampusMelbourne: February 14th (9.00-3.00), host university being finalised

We look forward to sharing what we learn from the workshops and the next stepsin this initiative in our next newsletter.

How is CATSINaM working for you at anational level?

The Family Matters campaign

‘Family Matters: Strong Communities. Strong Culture. Stronger Children’ is

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Melbourne: February 14th (9.00-3.00), host university being finalised

We look forward to sharing what we learn from the workshops and the next steps in this initiative in our next newsletter.

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Empty rowHow is CATSINaM working for you at a national level?

Empty rowThe Family Matters campaign

Empty row‘Family Matters: Strong Communities. Strong Culture. Stronger Children’ is Australia’s national campaign to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people grow up safe and cared for in family, community and culture (http://www.familymatters.org.au/). The campaign aims to eliminate the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out-of- home care by 2040. It is led by the Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care Inc. (SNAICC), and is supported by a Strategic Alliance of over 150 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous organisations, leading academics and prominent educational institutions.

CATSINaM is a participating organisation through membership of the Champions Group. The aims of the Champions Group is to provide: advice, the strategic direction for the campaign, leadership and high level of support for actiivites and support the jurisdicational working groups. CATSINaM’s interest in this campaign aligns with our interest in eliminating racism and culturally unsafe health care practice. We wish to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are safe have strong links to community and culture.

Empty rowEngaging with universities

Empty rowIf you have a relationship with a university near you, or are willing to visit one in Orientation Week 2017, please register your interest with us. We will provide you with all the information you need to run the session, including a recommended agenda and series of points to cover, and will help you liaise with the university.

Contact: Irene Peachey, Membership Engagement Officer on (02) 6262-5761 or [email protected]

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Empty rowUpcoming events

Empty rowIn addition to the ‘Nursing and Midwifery Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Curriculum Framework Orientation Workshops’ described above, we are planning to hold a two-day symposium next year, potentially in March 2017, titled ‘Instruments of Change – nurses and midwives working together for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health equity’. We will send an email blast to Members and our stakeholder networks once the date and location are settled, so what our space!

Empty rowSave the Date:

2017 CATSINaM Professional Development Forum 26 - 28 September 2017

Gold Coast, Australia

‘Family Matters: Strong Communities. Strong Culture. Stronger Children’ isAustralia’s national campaign to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanderchildren and young people grow up safe and cared for in family, community andculture (http://www.familymatters.org.au/). The campaign aims to eliminate theover-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out-of- homecare by 2040. It is led by the Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander ChildCare Inc. (SNAICC), and is supported by a Strategic Alliance of over 150 Aboriginaland Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous organisations, leading academicsand prominent educational institutions.

CATSINaM is a participating organisation through membership of the ChampionsGroup. The aims of the Champions Group is to provide: advice, the strategicdirection for the campaign, leadership and high level of support for actiivites andsupport the jurisdicational working groups. CATSINaM’s interest in this campaignaligns with our interest in eliminating racism and culturally unsafe health carepractice. We wish to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are safehave strong links to community and culture.

Engaging with universities

If you have a relationship with a university near you, or are willing to visit one inOrientation Week 2017, please register your interest with us. We will provide youwith all the information you need to run the session, including a recommendedagenda and series of points to cover, and will help you liaise with the university.

Contact: Irene Peachey, Membership Engagement Officer on (02) 6262-5761 [email protected]

Upcoming events

In addition to the ‘Nursing and Midwifery Aboriginal and Torres Strait IslanderHealth Curriculum Framework Orientation Workshops’ described above, we areplanning to hold a two-day symposium next year, potentially in March 2017, titled‘Instruments of Change – nurses and midwives working together for Aboriginal andTorres Strait Islander health equity’. We will send an email blast to Members andour stakeholder networks once the date and location are settled, so what ourspace!

Save the Date:

2017 CATSINaM Professional Development Forum 26 - 28 September 2017

Gold Coast, Australia

Member / Stakeholder Dinners

Location DatesAdelaide 5 April 2017

Melbourne 6 April 2017Brisbane 11 April 2017Darwin 17 April 2017Cairns 27 April 2017Sydney 9 May 2017Hobart 10 May 2017Perth 31 May 2017

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Empty rowMember / Stakeholder Dinners

Empty rowLocation DatesAdelaide 5 April 2017

Melbourne 6 April 2017Brisbane 11 April 2017Darwin 17 April 2017Cairns 27 April 2017Sydney 9 May 2017Hobart 10 May 2017Perth 31 May 2017

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Empty rowGrowth in our membership – what is happening?

Empty rowDid you know our membership has increased from 87 in March

2013 to 860 in December 2016?

As we step into December 2016, we are delighted to see our membership continuing to grow. It has now reached 860 Members, which is almost 10 times the number we had just over three years ago in March 2013. Importantly however, over 83% of our membership is made up of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians who are qualified or student nurses and midwives, including registered nurses, registered midwives and enrolled nurses.

If you know an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurse or midwife who is not yet a CATSINaM Member, please encourage them to join and build our strength in numbers. Non-Aboriginal nurses and midwives can also join as Affiliate Members, so encourage them to join as allies who can support us in achieving our objectives.

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Empty row Empty row Empty row

Growth in our membership – what ishappening?

Did you know our membership has increased from 87 in March2013 to 860 in December 2016?

As we step into December 2016, we are delighted to see our membershipcontinuing to grow. It has now reached 860 Members, which is almost 10 times thenumber we had just over three years ago in March 2013. Importantly however, over83% of our membership is made up of Aboriginal and Torres Strait IslanderAustralians who are qualified or student nurses and midwives, including registerednurses, registered midwives and enrolled nurses.

If you know an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurse or midwife who is not yeta CATSINaM Member, please encourage them to join and build our strength innumbers. Non-Aboriginal nurses and midwives can also join as Affiliate Members,so encourage them to join as allies who can support us in achieving our objectives.

Just released - OvercomingIndigenous Disadvantage: KeyIndicators 2016

The first edition of this report was in 2003 – 13 years and six reports later we havean expanding picture of what the available data tells us about the lives ofAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. As the report notes, data is acritical but only one part of the picture – the substance behind the data are thestories of people’s and communities’ lives, and case studies of effective programs

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Empty rowJust released - Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage: Key Indicators 2016

Empty rowThe first edition of this report was in 2003 – 13 years and six reports later we have an expanding picture of what the available data tells us about the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. As the report notes, data is a critical but only one part of the picture – the substance behind the data are the stories of people’s and communities’ lives, and case studies of effective programs and services. This report includes some case studies, but notes there are a low number of rigorously evaluated programs across Indigenous policy areas to draw on. This does not mean a low number of effective programs, just a low number of programs where we can be confident they are effective.

While Chapter 8 focuses on ‘Healthy lives’, from a social determinants of health perspective there are many chapters of interest to nursing and midwifery. And the outcomes - they are mixed. While there are improvements in the child mortality rates (particularly for 0-1 year olds), increases in completion of Year 12 or higher education and a greater proportion of people whose main income came from employment, there are higher levels or sustained levels of psychological distress, incarceration and substance misuse.

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Empty rowAccess the full report from this link: http://www.pc.gov.au/research/ongoing/overcoming-indigenous-disadvantage/2016#thereport

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Empty rowSupporting priority research projects

Empty rowOver the last few months we have been liaising with the key people leading two research projects relevant to CATSINaM priorities. The first is a Victorian-based collaborative research project on continuity of midwifery care for Aboriginal women in Victoria. The second is work by the University of Canberra on restorative

stories of people’s and communities’ lives, and case studies of effective programsand services. This report includes some case studies, but notes there are a lownumber of rigorously evaluated programs across Indigenous policy areas to drawon. This does not mean a low number of effective programs, just a low number ofprograms where we can be confident they are effective.

While Chapter 8 focuses on ‘Healthy lives’, from a social determinants of healthperspective there are many chapters of interest to nursing and midwifery. And theoutcomes - they are mixed. While there are improvements in the child mortalityrates (particularly for 0-1 year olds), increases in completion of Year 12 or highereducation and a greater proportion of people whose main income came fromemployment, there are higher levels or sustained levels of psychological distress,incarceration and substance misuse.

Access the full report from thislink: http://www.pc.gov.au/research/ongoing/overcoming-indigenous-disadvantage/2016#thereport

Supporting priority research projects

Over the last few months we have been liaising with the key people leading tworesearch projects relevant to CATSINaM priorities. The first is a Victorian-basedcollaborative research project on continuity of midwifery care for Aboriginal womenin Victoria. The second is work by the University of Canberra on restorativepractices in health care as an accountability practice with Aboriginal and TorresStrait Islander families and communities. We hope to share the learnings gainedfrom them through future CATSINaM newsletters and/or events. All of the peopleand organisations involved are listed at the end of each description.

Partnerships and collaboration: Implementingcontinuity of midwifery care for Aboriginalwomen in four Victorian maternity services

Numerous government reports and inquiries have recommended that strategies toimprove maternal and infant health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres StraitIslander people are urgently needed. Caseload midwifery (where women havecontinuity of care from a ‘known’ midwife during pregnancy, labour, birth andpostpartum) is considered to be the ‘gold standard’ in maternity care, and isassociated with better clinical and psychosocial outcomes, however few Aboriginalwomen have access to this model.

We are undertaking collaborative work funded as a Partnership Project by theNational Health and Medical Research Council to help address this issue in fourVictorian maternity services. The partners are Judith Lumley Centre, La Trobe

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practices in health care as an accountability practice with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities. We hope to share the learnings gained from them through future CATSINaM newsletters and/or events. All of the people and organisations involved are listed at the end of each description.

Empty rowPartnerships and collaboration: Implementing continuity of midwifery care for Aboriginal women in four Victorian maternity services

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This project has been developed iteratively, and we remain committed to thisapproach. Models such as these can only succeed if they are based on the needsof Aboriginal women and their communities, and ongoing consultation is a critical

Numerous government reports and inquiries have recommended that strategies to improve maternal and infant health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are urgently needed. Caseload midwifery (where women have continuity of care from a ‘known’ midwife during pregnancy, labour, birth and postpartum) is considered to be the ‘gold standard’ in maternity care, and is associated with better clinical and psychosocial outcomes, however few Aboriginal women have access to this model.

We are undertaking collaborative work funded as a Partnership Project by the National Health and Medical Research Council to help address this issue in four Victorian maternity services. The partners are Judith Lumley Centre, La Trobe University, the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO), Goulburn Valley Health, Mercy Hospital for Women, Western Health and the Royal Women’s Hospital. Prior to the commencement of this work, caseload midwifery had not been proactively offered to Aboriginal women at the four participating hospitals, and non-Aboriginal women were more than twice as likely to receive caseload compared with Aboriginal women (9.4% vs 4.5%).

Our overall aim is to assess the research translation capacity of our partner maternity services to implement, embed and sustain a caseload model specifically for Aboriginal women (and non-Aboriginal women having Aboriginal babies). We will explore model implementation; women’s views, experiences and outcomes; and the sustainability of, and impacts on, the caseload model in the organisations. Building Aboriginal workforce capacity is also a key aim through employment and clinical experience for midwifery students.

This collaborative partnership project has been developed over a number of years, with each of the six partner organisations having significant input and ‘buy in’. Since funding commenced in 2016, collaborators from each of the four participating health services have met regularly with their Aboriginal hospital teams to work towards implementation of this new model of care. Engagement with all key stakeholders has been (and remains) a critical aspect of the project. The partnership with VACCHO has been a key driver, and ensured high level input both in the development and implementation of this work. Other ongoing key aspects include:

Aboriginal community leadership on the investigator team.The establishment of an Aboriginal Advisory Committee to provide cultural guidance and oversight, and promote community engagement regarding the project.Engagement with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations such as the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service, Koori Maternity Services and Rumbalara.

Researchers: Helen L McLachlan,1 Della A Forster,1 2 Sue Kildea,3 Jane Freemantle,4 Jennifer Browne,5 Jeremy Oats,6 Michelle Newton,1 Marika Jackomos,7 Jacqueline Watkins,8 Simone Andy,5 Sue Jacobs,2 Ngaree Blow,2 Karyn Ferguson,4 Catherine Chamberlain,9 Susan Donath,10 Lisa Gold,11 Helena Maher,2 Jenny Ryan,2 Belinda O'Connor,1 2 Fiona McLardie-Hore,1 21. La Trobe University, Melbourne. 2. The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville. 3. University of Queensland, Brisbane. 4. University of Melbourne, Shepparton. 5. Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, Collingwood. 6. University of Melbourne, Parkville. 7. Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg. 8. Western Health, St Albans. 9. Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne. 10. Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville. 11. Deakin University, Burwood.

Victorian maternity services. The partners are Judith Lumley Centre, La TrobeUniversity, the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation(VACCHO), Goulburn Valley Health, Mercy Hospital for Women, Western Healthand the Royal Women’s Hospital. Prior to the commencement of this work,caseload midwifery had not been proactively offered to Aboriginal women at thefour participating hospitals, and non-Aboriginal women were more than twice aslikely to receive caseload compared with Aboriginal women (9.4% vs 4.5%).

Our overall aim is to assess the research translation capacity of our partnermaternity services to implement, embed and sustain a caseload model specificallyfor Aboriginal women (and non-Aboriginal women having Aboriginal babies). Wewill explore model implementation; women’s views, experiences and outcomes;and the sustainability of, and impacts on, the caseload model in the organisations.Building Aboriginal workforce capacity is also a key aim through employment andclinical experience for midwifery students.

This collaborative partnership project has been developed over a number of years,with each of the six partner organisations having significant input and ‘buy in’.Since funding commenced in 2016, collaborators from each of the fourparticipating health services have met regularly with their Aboriginal hospital teamsto work towards implementation of this new model of care. Engagement with allkey stakeholders has been (and remains) a critical aspect of the project. Thepartnership with VACCHO has been a key driver, and ensured high level input bothin the development and implementation of this work. Other ongoing key aspectsinclude:

Aboriginal community leadership on the investigator team.The establishment of an Aboriginal Advisory Committee to provide culturalguidance and oversight, and promote community engagement regarding theproject.Engagement with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisationssuch as the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service, Koori Maternity Services andRumbalara.

Researchers: Helen L McLachlan,1 Della A Forster,1 2 Sue Kildea,3 JaneFreemantle,4 Jennifer Browne,5 Jeremy Oats,6 Michelle Newton,1 MarikaJackomos,7 Jacqueline Watkins,8 Simone Andy,5 Sue Jacobs,2 Ngaree Blow,2Karyn Ferguson,4 Catherine Chamberlain,9 Susan Donath,10 Lisa Gold,11 HelenaMaher,2 Jenny Ryan,2 Belinda O'Connor,1 2 Fiona McLardie-Hore,1 21. La Trobe University, Melbourne. 2. The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville. 3.University of Queensland, Brisbane. 4. University of Melbourne, Shepparton. 5.Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, Collingwood. 6.University of Melbourne, Parkville. 7. Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg. 8.Western Health, St Albans. 9. Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne.10. Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville. 11. Deakin University,Burwood. This project has been developed iteratively, and we remain committed tothis approach. Models such as these can only succeed if they are based on theneeds of Aboriginal women and their communities, and ongoing consultation is acritical part of this work.

Introducing restorative practices to health careto give voice, accountability and healing valuefor Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander familiesand communities

The historical harms that have been perpetrated within hospitals and otherinstitutions associated with colonisation, as well as the distrust engendered bybrutal separations of children from their families, continue to tragically frame thehealth care relationships of many Indigenous Australians. This problem iscompounded because there is evidence that some negative cultures within thehealth system and universities cause student Aboriginal and Torres Strait islandernurses and midwives to feel unsafe to reveal their identity. This identity ‘gap’ oranonymity contributes to a further reduction in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islandervoice in university and health care environments. These relational issues of identity,trust and equity contribute to existing and potential communication barriers inhealth-care settings.

Given communication failings are identified as being the primary cause of over

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part of this work.

Empty rowIntroducing restorative practices to health care to give voice, accountability and healing value for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities

Empty rowThe historical harms that have been perpetrated within hospitals and other institutions associated with colonisation, as well as the distrust engendered by brutal separations of children from their families, continue to tragically frame the health care relationships of many Indigenous Australians. This problem is compounded because there is evidence that some negative cultures within the health system and universities cause student Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander nurses and midwives to feel unsafe to reveal their identity. This identity ‘gap’ or anonymity contributes to a further reduction in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voice in university and health care environments. These relational issues of identity, trust and equity contribute to existing and potential communication barriers in health-care settings.

Given communication failings are identified as being the primary cause of over 70% of sentinel events that result in death or serious injury to patients in the health care setting; and given the prevalence of harmful cultures of bullying in health care organisations in Australia - it becomes imperative that those that inform and deliver health care find new ways to work.

Nurses and midwives at the University of Canberra are supporting the ACT in becoming a ‘restorative’ community and joining an international restorative learning community. In collaboration with our Indigenous leaders, we are exploring ways to translate our visions of equity in healthcare for all our community by exploring new ways of teaching, learning, practicing and researching. Our focus is to introduce ‘Restorative Practices’ at a disciplinary level and within the new University of Canberra Public Hospital. The idea of ‘Restorative Practices’ as a narrative of hope and wellbeing to health care delivery is generating great interest in our community.

Whanganui, a restorative community in New Zealand, have significantly accelerated the narrowing of Maori health inequity by using ‘Restorative Practices’, which they define as:

A philosophy, in action, that places respectful relationships at the heart of every interaction. This relational approach is grounded in beliefs about the equality, dignity and potential of all people, and about the just structures and systems that enable people to thrive

and succeed together. (Whanganui Board, 2014)

Our vision is that by using ‘Restorative Practices’, a strengths based relational approach that is centred on giving voice, respect, acknowledgement, accountability and healing value to the vulnerable, we will benefit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities and slam health inequity ‘Gaps’ closed. Our initiative seeks to create an environment of cultural safety for not only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and other people who will benefit from health services, but also for Indigenous health care workers whom we depend on to help ‘close the gap’.

We believe that through the use of empathy, compassion, advocacy of truth, dignity and respect centred on the most vulnerable, it is possible to achieve human flourishing.

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Empty rowThe value of clinical placements in Aboriginal health: A second interview

70% of sentinel events that result in death or serious injury to patients in the healthcare setting; and given the prevalence of harmful cultures of bullying in health careorganisations in Australia - it becomes imperative that those that inform and deliverhealth care find new ways to work.

Nurses and midwives at the University of Canberra are supporting the ACT inbecoming a ‘restorative’ community and joining an international restorativelearning community. In collaboration with our Indigenous leaders, we are exploringways to translate our visions of equity in healthcare for all our community byexploring new ways of teaching, learning, practicing and researching. Our focus isto introduce ‘Restorative Practices’ at a disciplinary level and within the newUniversity of Canberra Public Hospital. The idea of ‘Restorative Practices’ as anarrative of hope and wellbeing to health care delivery is generating great interestin our community.

Whanganui, a restorative community in New Zealand, have significantlyaccelerated the narrowing of Maori health inequity by using ‘Restorative Practices’,which they define as:

A philosophy, in action, that places respectful relationships at theheart of every interaction. This relational approach is grounded inbeliefs about the equality, dignity and potential of all people, andabout the just structures and systems that enable people to thrive

and succeed together. (Whanganui Board, 2014)

Our vision is that by using ‘Restorative Practices’, a strengths based relationalapproach that is centred on giving voice, respect, acknowledgement,accountability and healing value to the vulnerable, we will benefit Aboriginal andTorres Strait Islander families and communities and slam health inequity ‘Gaps’closed. Our initiative seeks to create an environment of cultural safety for not onlyAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and other people who will benefit from healthservices, but also for Indigenous health care workers whom we depend on to help‘close the gap’.

We believe that through the use of empathy, compassion, advocacy of truth,dignity and respect centred on the most vulnerable, it is possible to achieve humanflourishing.

The value of clinical placements inAboriginal health: A second interviewwith Cassandra West

Cassandra West is the young Dja Dja Wurrung and Yorta Yorta woman who sharedher hopes and aspirations with us in June this year about her upcoming clinicalplacement in Katherine as well as her future as a nurse and midwife. Cassandrafinished her four week placement in mid-November and shared her experienceswith CATSINaM.

1) What happened during your placement? During the four weeks I was at the Katherine Hospital I had 120 hours of directexperience, including in antenatal, intrapartum and post-natal care with womenand their families. I mostly helped run the antenatal clinics on Tuesday, Wednesdayand Thursday. On the other days I helped out on the maternity ward, responding tothe needs of any woman that was admitted. Of the seven births that occurredwhile I was there, I participated in four of them. I was involved in someresuscitations of babies and responding when things went wrong throughoutmaternity care. I also got to see how CareFlight operates through several retrievalsof both woman and neonates in situations where transfer to the Darwin Hospitalwas necessary due to an increase in care complexity (http://careflight.org).

2) What were the best parts of your experience?

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with Cassandra West

Empty rowCassandra West is the young Dja Dja Wurrung and Yorta Yorta woman who shared her hopes and aspirations with us in June this year about her upcoming clinical placement in Katherine as well as her future as a nurse and midwife. Cassandra finished her four week placement in mid-November and shared her experiences with CATSINaM.

Empty row1) What happened during your placement?

During the four weeks I was at the Katherine Hospital I had 120 hours of direct experience, including in antenatal, intrapartum and post-natal care with women and their families. I mostly helped run the antenatal clinics on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. On the other days I helped out on the maternity ward, responding to the needs of any woman that was admitted. Of the seven births that occurred while I was there, I participated in four of them. I was involved in some resuscitations of babies and responding when things went wrong throughout maternity care. I also got to see how CareFlight operates through several retrievals of both woman and neonates in situations where transfer to the Darwin Hospital was necessary due to an increase in care complexity (http://careflight.org).

2) What were the best parts of your experience?

Overall I had a wonderful experience. The hospital staff were very welcoming and the maternity ward staff were amazing. The midwives came from a variety of locations, including New Zealand, Adelaide and Victoria, and there was also an obstetrician and junior medical team. They took me under their wing, loved to teach and included me in everything that happened. I found them very knowledgeable in Aboriginal health and saw them relate well to the Aboriginal women.

One of the best parts of the placement was being able to provide continuity of care. As there were a smaller number of women and families, this was possible to do, even though the hospital covers a large geographical footprint. It was enlightening to see CareFlight in action; I hoped I would get to experience this process as it isn’t likely to occur in metropolitan Melbourne.

I learned how to respond to emergencies with limited resources. In metropolitan Melbourne we are used to having emergency teams at a push of a button. Many of the emergencies occurred overnight when there was skeleton staff. This meant we had to rely solely on our clinical judgement and skills until further help arrived (which could take up to 15mintets due to remaining staff being on-call).

I was able to see how the linking occurred across hospitals and health systems, particularly with the Darwin Hospital when women had complex situations. I was also exposed to the communication with remote communities and learnt about the linking process involved in caring for women in remote communities.

I also saw tax payer money used for good purposes. So often we don’t see the good that comes from our tax dollars; people don’t usually know about CareFlight and how the nurses and doctors service remote communities and provide a range of clinics to address serious health concerns. I was absolutely amazed.

3) What were the most challenging parts of your experience?

I would say settling in. It was a big change. It took me a week to get used to the weather, how the hospital ran, and responding to the ‘flow’. I am used to a lot of structure, policy and ‘ticking the box’. I was with a team that was happy to do whatever was necessary at the time. They had a lot of flexibility in responding to situations, they needed to do this.

What I found really challenging though was seeing the experience of Aboriginal women from remote communities. Once close to their due date they were required to come into the hospital hostel two to three weeks for confinement. They sit and wait until they go into labour and deliver, then usually a week after delivery they go back to their community. Sometimes they are there by themselves. This was hard to see. It is hard enough having a baby, let alone having to do it yourself. The

2) What were the best parts of your experience?

Overall I had a wonderful experience. The hospital staff were very welcoming andthe maternity ward staff were amazing. The midwives came from a variety oflocations, including New Zealand, Adelaide and Victoria, and there was also anobstetrician and junior medical team. They took me under their wing, loved toteach and included me in everything that happened. I found them veryknowledgeable in Aboriginal health and saw them relate well to the Aboriginalwomen.

One of the best parts of the placement was being able to provide continuity ofcare. As there were a smaller number of women and families, this was possible todo, even though the hospital covers a large geographical footprint. It wasenlightening to see CareFlight in action; I hoped I would get to experience thisprocess as it isn’t likely to occur in metropolitan Melbourne.

I learned how to respond to emergencies with limited resources. In metropolitanMelbourne we are used to having emergency teams at a push of a button. Many ofthe emergencies occurred overnight when there was skeleton staff. This meant wehad to rely solely on our clinical judgement and skills until further help arrived(which could take up to 15mintets due to remaining staff being on-call).

I was able to see how the linking occurred across hospitals and health systems,particularly with the Darwin Hospital when women had complex situations. I wasalso exposed to the communication with remote communities and learnt about thelinking process involved in caring for women in remote communities.

I also saw tax payer money used for good purposes. So often we don’t see thegood that comes from our tax dollars; people don’t usually know about CareFlightand how the nurses and doctors service remote communities and provide a rangeof clinics to address serious health concerns. I was absolutely amazed.

3) What were the most challenging parts of your experience? I would say settling in. It was a big change. It took me a week to get used to theweather, how the hospital ran, and responding to the ‘flow’. I am used to a lot ofstructure, policy and ‘ticking the box’. I was with a team that was happy to dowhatever was necessary at the time. They had a lot of flexibility in responding tosituations, they needed to do this.

What I found really challenging though was seeing the experience of Aboriginalwomen from remote communities. Once close to their due date they were requiredto come into the hospital hostel two to three weeks for confinement. They sit andwait until they go into labour and deliver, then usually a week after delivery they goback to their community. Sometimes they are there by themselves. This was hardto see. It is hard enough having a baby, let alone having to do it yourself. Thewomen don’t always want to be away from their community, so it was great to hearrecently there is funding going into supporting birthing on country programs.

4) What are the top three things that you learned?

1: The importance of continuity of care for women and their family. This reallycame home for me with one woman with whom I built a rapport during the endstages of her pregnancy. She had preeclampsia and had to be induced, but when Iworked with her post-natally she was a different woman. Her oedema had reducedsignificantly, to the point where I almost didn’t recognise her. It was then when Ireally saw the importance in knowing a woman’s individual pregnancy journey andclinical picture.

2: I have a greater appreciation for the services we have in the tertiary hospitals asnot everyone is in the right location or privileged to have access to those services.I also appreciate the advanced skills that some staff have in the tertiary hospitals,which are not usually accessible in rural and remote locations.

3: The reality of the health status of Aboriginal communities. I saw the reality of thisfor the women and the families that come in. It is even worse than we areacknowledging, so we have a long way to go in addressing the situation.

5) What would you tell others about doing a similar placement?

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women don’t always want to be away from their community, so it was great to hear recently there is funding going into supporting birthing on country programs.

4) What are the top three things that you learned?

1: The importance of continuity of care for women and their family. This really came home for me with one woman with whom I built a rapport during the end stages of her pregnancy. She had preeclampsia and had to be induced, but when I worked with her post-natally she was a different woman. Her oedema had reduced significantly, to the point where I almost didn’t recognise her. It was then when I really saw the importance in knowing a woman’s individual pregnancy journey and clinical picture.

2: I have a greater appreciation for the services we have in the tertiary hospitals as not everyone is in the right location or privileged to have access to those services. I also appreciate the advanced skills that some staff have in the tertiary hospitals, which are not usually accessible in rural and remote locations.

3: The reality of the health status of Aboriginal communities. I saw the reality of this for the women and the families that come in. It is even worse than we are acknowledging, so we have a long way to go in addressing the situation.

5) What would you tell others about doing a similar placement?

Just do it!! To be honest, I think this is an experience that should be compulsory, i.e. a placement where there are a high number of Aboriginal clients. We have a lot of Aboriginal people in the inner city that have health conditions about which we aren’t necessarily educated. I know the universities are working on this, but it is important to understand these health conditions from an Aboriginal perspective. What is the story behind it, the reasons behind it? What can we do for that community to make it better? They are a huge part of the population and there is a huge health gap, so I don’t see why it isn’t compulsory.

I would tell other students to pick up every opportunity you can in any placement. Never say no as you may never get the opportunity again. You need to remain open-minded. It was amazing that I was there. I went in thinking: “I’m here now. I’m lucky enough to be here, everything else is just a bonus.”

6) How did this experience help with achieving your aspiration to work in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, especially within maternity services?

It gave me everything I wanted from it. I worked with both non-Aboriginal and Aboriginal women, that balance was great. It gave me a greater insight on how to communicate and connect with Aboriginal women. I wouldn’t have the same opportunity in Melbourne, of being with staff who are experienced in providing care to Aboriginal women all the time as it is normal in that context.

I would like to thank everyone involved in making this opportunity happen. They are memories and experiences I will have for a lifetime and ones in which I will never forget.

Empty row5 Lancaster Place, Majura Park ACT 2609

Phone: 02 6262 5761Office Hours: Monday to Friday - 9.00 am to 5.00 pm

Empty rowCompany name • Company address

This email was intended for : • Unsubscribe[[ Recipient: Firstname Surname]] [[Recipient: Email]]

Just do it!! To be honest, I think this is an experience that should be compulsory,i.e. a placement where there are a high number of Aboriginal clients. We have a lotof Aboriginal people in the inner city that have health conditions about which wearen’t necessarily educated. I know the universities are working on this, but it isimportant to understand these health conditions from an Aboriginal perspective.What is the story behind it, the reasons behind it? What can we do for thatcommunity to make it better? They are a huge part of the population and there is ahuge health gap, so I don’t see why it isn’t compulsory.

I would tell other students to pick up every opportunity you can in any placement.Never say no as you may never get the opportunity again. You need to remainopen-minded. It was amazing that I was there. I went in thinking: “I’m here now.I’m lucky enough to be here, everything else is just a bonus.”

6) How did this experience help with achieving your aspiration towork in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, especiallywithin maternity services? It gave me everything I wanted from it. I worked with both non-Aboriginal andAboriginal women, that balance was great. It gave me a greater insight on how tocommunicate and connect with Aboriginal women. I wouldn’t have the sameopportunity in Melbourne, of being with staff who are experienced in providingcare to Aboriginal women all the time as it is normal in that context.

I would like to thank everyone involved in making this opportunity happen. Theyare memories and experiences I will have for a lifetime and ones in which I willnever forget.

5 Lancaster Place, Majura Park ACT 2609Phone: 02 6262 5761

Office Hours: Monday to Friday - 9.00 am to 5.00 pm

Company name • Company address

This email was intended for John Smith: [email protected] • Unsubscribe

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