Description
The strong and supportive learning environment in which many children grow up in remote Aboriginal communities is often not understood or valued by others. In response to concerns expressed by Yolŋu (Aboriginal people from Northeast Arnhemland), this collaborative longitudinal study (2013 -2018) explored Yolŋu priorities, strengths and challenges in early child development and parenting. Yolŋu researchers were engaged in all stages of the research from project conception and design, data collection and analysis to sharing findings in the community and more widely through presentations and publications. Rich empirical data collected through video reflexive ethnography and collaboratively interpreted with family members and Yolŋu researchers reveals the realities of six focus children’s everyday lives and development over six years. As well, participant observation by Yolŋu researchers and interviews were conducted with a wide range of other community members. The findings of this research challenge the assumptions of deficit in development and parenting reflected in assessments and programs conducted in this region. To facilitate a deeper understanding of diverse cultural strengths and priorities in early child development, findings have been shared through a publicly available project website. Such understanding is crucial to achieving culturally responsive and relevant policies, assessment processes and programs that recognise and incorporate cultural strengths. In this presentation we will discuss the ways in which the research methods and collaborative processes supported Yolŋu agency and control in sharing knowledge about growing up their children.| Period | 18 Jun 2019 |
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| Event title | The Lowitja Institute International Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Conference |
| Event type | Conference |
| Location | Darwin, AustraliaShow on map |
| Degree of Recognition | International |