Abstract
Cancer is a complex group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth, which can threaten health and life if not detected and treated early. In Australian First Nations communities, cancer incidence and mortality rates are disproportionately high compared to non-Indigenous populations due to a combination of historical, social, cultural, and environmental factors. This yarning dialogue between Jerrinja Elder Aunty Grace Crossley and Indigenous scholar Madison Shakespeare reflects on the old ways of healthy living, nutrition, and exercise, celebrating the rich cultural histories, knowledges, and practices of Kin and Community as foundational to wellbeing.
The yarn provides healthcare clinicians with valuable insights into the culturally contextual approaches essential for achieving holistic wellbeing among First Nations patients. It highlights the importance of culturally collaborative relationships with communities in the treatment and care of First Nations cancer patients, underscoring critical considerations for the long-term prevention of cancer within communities. This dialogue serves as a vital resource for fostering culturally safe, respectful, and effective healthcare practices that honor Indigenous knowledge systems and support cancer risk reduction and health equity.
The yarn provides healthcare clinicians with valuable insights into the culturally contextual approaches essential for achieving holistic wellbeing among First Nations patients. It highlights the importance of culturally collaborative relationships with communities in the treatment and care of First Nations cancer patients, underscoring critical considerations for the long-term prevention of cancer within communities. This dialogue serves as a vital resource for fostering culturally safe, respectful, and effective healthcare practices that honor Indigenous knowledge systems and support cancer risk reduction and health equity.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Place of Publication | https://gicancer.org.au/resources/seedpod-of-yarns/yarns-for-first-nations-patients-kin-and-community/ |
| Publisher | GI Cancer Institute AGITG |
| Edition | 1 |
| Media of output | Film |
| Size | 4 min 42 sec |
| Publication status | Published - Mar 2025 |
Bibliographical note
The film collaboration between Indigenous researcher Madison Shakespeare and Jerrinja Elder Aunty Grace Crossley is a culturally rich Non-Traditional Research Output (NTRO) that weaves together Indigenous knowledge, community experience, and health research. Shakespeare, a Gadigal saltwater woman and interdisciplinary scholar, brings her expertise in Indigenous research methodologies and creative storytelling to amplify First Nations voices in cancer care. Aunty Grace, with her deep cultural wisdom and lived experience, grounds the work in community values, spiritual traditions, and cultural practices important to Indigenous health and wellbeing.Together, they engage in an extended yarning dialogue exploring cancer experiences, cultural health practices, and the significance of relational, patient-centred care for First Nations cancer patients. This film serves as a vital resource for healthcare clinicians and researchers, helping to bridge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander worldviews with contemporary medical practice. The collaboration exemplifies the power of Indigenous-led research to inform culturally respectful healthcare and promote community empowerment and healing
Research Statement
The film collaboration between Indigenous researcher Madison Shakespeare and Jerrinja Elder Aunty Grace Crossley represents a culturally rich Non-Traditional Research Output (NTRO) that intricately weaves Indigenous knowledge, community experience, and health research. Shakespeare, as a Gadigal saltwater woman and interdisciplinary scholar, brings extensive expertise in Indigenous research methodologies and creative storytelling to amplify First Nations voices in cancer care. Aunty Grace Crossley grounds this work in deep cultural wisdom, spiritual traditions, and community values essential to Indigenous health and wellbeing.Together, through an extended yarning dialogue, they explore cancer experiences, cultural health practices, and the significance of relational, patient-centred care tailored to First Nations cancer patients. The film provides crucial insights for healthcare clinicians and researchers, helping to bridge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander worldviews with contemporary medical practice. It highlights old ways of healthy living, nutrition, and exercise celebrating cultural histories, knowledges, and practices of Kin and Community, offering a culturally contextual framework essential for achieving holistic wellbeing among First Nations patients.
This NTRO underscores the benefits of culturally collaborative relationships with communities in the treatment and care of First Nations cancer patients. It also highlights important considerations for the long-term prevention of cancer within communities. As such, this Indigenous-led, community-centered approach to cancer care exemplifies the power of NTROs to inform culturally respectful healthcare, promote community empowerment and healing, and foster health equity for Indigenous Australians.
