Karen Adams1, Shannon Faulkhead2, Rachel Standfield2, Petah Atkinson3. 1. Gukwonderuk Unit, Faculty of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton Campus, Australia. Electronic address: karen.adams@monash.edu. 2. Monash Indigenous Studies Centre, Faculty of Arts, Monash University, Clayton Campus, Australia. 3. Gukwonderuk Unit, Faculty of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton Campus, Australia.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The 2007 United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples states that Indigenous peoples have the right to self-determination for social and cultural development. This fundamental right has been impeded worldwide through colonisation where many Indigenous peoples have had to adapt to ensure continuation of cultural knowledge and practice. In South East Australia colonisation was particularly brutal interrupting a 65,000 year-old oral culture and archives have increasing importance for cultural revival. AIM: The aim of this research was to collate archival material on South East Australian Aboriginal women's birthing knowledge and practice. METHODS: Archivist research methods were employed involving a search for artefacts and compiling materials from these into a new collection. This process involved understanding the context of the artefact creation. Collaborative yarning methods were used to reflect on materials and their meaning. FINDINGS: Artefacts found included materials written by non-Aboriginal men and women, materials written by Aboriginal women, oral histories, media reports and culturally significant sites. Material described practices that connected birth to country and the community of the women and their babies. Practices included active labour techniques, pain management, labour supports, songs for labour, ceremony and the role of Aboriginal midwives. Case studies of continuing cultural practice and revival were identified. CONCLUSION: Inclusion of Aboriginal women's birthing practices and knowledge is crucial for reconciliation and self-determination. Challenging the colonisation of birthing, through the inclusion of Aboriginal knowledge and practice is imperative, as health practices inclusive of cultural knowledge are known to be more effective.
BACKGROUND: The 2007 United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples states that Indigenous peoples have the right to self-determination for social and cultural development. This fundamental right has been impeded worldwide through colonisation where many Indigenous peoples have had to adapt to ensure continuation of cultural knowledge and practice. In South East Australia colonisation was particularly brutal interrupting a 65,000 year-old oral culture and archives have increasing importance for cultural revival. AIM: The aim of this research was to collate archival material on South East Australian Aboriginal women's birthing knowledge and practice. METHODS: Archivist research methods were employed involving a search for artefacts and compiling materials from these into a new collection. This process involved understanding the context of the artefact creation. Collaborative yarning methods were used to reflect on materials and their meaning. FINDINGS: Artefacts found included materials written by non-Aboriginal men and women, materials written by Aboriginal women, oral histories, media reports and culturally significant sites. Material described practices that connected birth to country and the community of the women and their babies. Practices included active labour techniques, pain management, labour supports, songs for labour, ceremony and the role of Aboriginal midwives. Case studies of continuing cultural practice and revival were identified. CONCLUSION: Inclusion of Aboriginal women's birthing practices and knowledge is crucial for reconciliation and self-determination. Challenging the colonisation of birthing, through the inclusion of Aboriginal knowledge and practice is imperative, as health practices inclusive of cultural knowledge are known to be more effective.
Authors: Michelle Bovill; Catherine Chamberlain; Jessica Bennett; Hayley Longbottom; Shanell Bacon; Belinda Field; Paul Hussein; Robert Berwick; Gillian Gould; Peter O'Mara Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-02-02 Impact factor: 3.390