Work

Explaining risk in chronic conditions: the Yolŋu science of signs

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Explaining risk in chronic conditions: the Yolŋu science of signs Positionality statement M initja Marawili is a senior Yolŋu community member residing on her clan-associated country in Northeast Arnhem Land, where our many research experiences occur.She is a critical thinker and, over many years, has initiated reflective conversations with non-Indigenous researchers Alison Mitchell and Emma Haynes, endeavouring to derive new understandings of issues that affect Yolŋu health and wellbeing.These conversations require non-Indigenous colleagues to be slow thinkers, honing deep listening skills, and to be courageous in imagining new ways of thinking that at times may be uncomfortable.Dawn Bessarab is a Bardi woman and a celebrated social science academic.Dawn Bessarab provides insight into our conversations from a contrasting location, yet with similar expertise in critical and reflective thinking.Emma Haynes and Alison Mitchell have many years' experience in social mixed methods research with Aboriginal colleagues.Their reflective stance is in the role of allyship and learners.Perspective engagement in the conversation.Thus, we recommend that biomedics examine their communication practices seeking to replace terms that cause harm, such as "risk", to ensure a safe environment for deliberation and disclosure.

Source: The Medical Journal of Australia

DOI: 10.5694/mja2.70031

Authors: Emma Haynes, Alison Mitchell, Minitja Marawili (Yolŋu), Dawn C Bessarab (Bardi)

Institutions: The University of Western Australia, Menzies School of Health Research

Language: English

Topic: Indigenous Health, Education, and Rights

Subfield: Health

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,400