I have started this research journey wanting to make a difference with my community. I have purposely said ‘with’ because change cannot and should not be imposed. It is both a personal value and an ethical imperative that I don’t reproduce colonising practices in my research – and if I step outside of this – I hope some generous people will guide me back to the path. It is also essential that I give something – and something that is valued – back. That there is reciprocity.
The 10 000 hours project
I am part of the 10 000 hours project with the University of Queensland which is studying Early Childhood and Care in Queensland. However, I am still refining my research focus. Living and doing my research in Normanton will mean that there will be the opportunity for the voices from a remote area to be heard. It won’t be someone just coming in and going away.
While only from a relatively privileged white perspective – I have experienced and witnessed many of the challenges here. And I am honoured to have listened to the stories of others.
The voices of people from remote areas are often missing from policy discussions about their needs. So, here’s our chance!
What path?
These are the interlinked areas that I am passionate about.
- Reducing the number of our Community members who die by suicide.
- Improving where our kids are at when they start school. They are currently assessed as being significantly more vulnerable than the Australian average. Why is this and how can we make it better? Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) can impact brain development, so does some of the answer lie here?
- Increasing Community knowledge about Adverse Childhood Experiences and their impact on the developing brain. A person who has experienced four or more ACEs is 12.2 times more likely to attempt suicide than one who has none. Many of our kids accumulate four ACEs without even considering any abuse that may be directed toward them. These include exposure to violence in the home or in the community (yes, verbal abuse counts, and it impacts little babies, too), members of their household having drug or alcohol issues, a member of their household in jail, a member of their household having mental health problems and a family member attempting suicide or dying by suicide. Intergenerational trauma as a result of colonisation underlies much of this.
- Increasing Community knowledge about how protective childhood experiences such as having a strong connection with someone, going bush and playing sports may lessen the impact of ACEs.
- Improving the mental health and wellbeing of the adults in the Community. The wellbeing of the adults who support and surround children impact the wellbeing of the kids.
So, currently, I am working on how to most effectively link them with the study of Early Childhood Education and Care, noting that education and care do not only occur in 'centres' but also occur informally in the home. I am using this blog as a way to work through my thoughts and ideas. If you are interested, you can come on this journey with me.
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