Engaging the practice of Indigenous yarning in Action Research

Authors

  • Bronywn Fredericks
  • Karen Adams

Keywords:

Anti-smoking, community development, yarnining, Indigenous research

Abstract

This paper discusses the technique of ‘yarning’ as an action research process relevant for policy development work with Aboriginal peoples. Through a case study of an Aboriginal community-based smoking project in the Australian State of Victoria, the paper demonstrates how the Aboriginal concept of ‘yarning’ can be used to empower people to create policy change that not only impacts on their own health, but also impacts on the health of others and the Aboriginal organisation for which they work. The paper presents yarning within the context of models of empowerment and a methodological approach of participatory action research. The method is based on respect and inclusivity, with the final policy developed by staff for staff. Yarning is likely to be successful for action researchers working within a variety of Indigenous contexts.

Author Biographies

Bronywn Fredericks

Dr Bronwyn Fredericks Bronwyn Fredericks is an Associate Professor and Senior Research Fellow with the Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT). She also holds an Adjunct position with Monash University and a Visiting Fellow with the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO).

Karen Adams

Dr Karen Adams is Team Leader, Research and Health Information, Public Health and Research Unit, VACCHO. She is also an Associate Professor with the Moondani Balluk Indigenous Academic Unit, Victoria University.

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Published

02-10-2011

How to Cite

Fredericks, B., & Adams, K. (2011). Engaging the practice of Indigenous yarning in Action Research. Action Learning and Action Research Journal, 17(2), 12–24. Retrieved from https://alarj.alarassociation.org/index.php/alarj/article/view/29

Issue

Vol. 17 No. 2 (2011): Decolonising Action Research

Section

Articles

License

On submission authors agree to share 50% copyright with Action Learning, Action Research Association Ltd (ALARA). On receipt of payment for public access to papers authors who are members of ALARA will receive 50% of the fee. The remaining 50% will be returned to ALARA.

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