Culturally Grounded Palliative Care - Promoting Wellbeing and Healing at End of Life
Tracks
Ora - In-Person & Online
| Tuesday, October 22, 2024 |
| 1:30 PM - 1:50 PM |
Overview
Cindy Paardekooper, First Nations Palliative Care Alliance; & Eliza Munro, Ngiyani Wandabaa
Speaker
Mr Levi Armstrong
General Manager
The Meke Foundation
Empowering Community Wellbeing: The M.E.K.E. Initiative a Pro-Equity Approach to United Health and Fitness.
Abstract
The M.E.K.E. Initiative has been a transformative community project aimed at enhancing health and
fitness equity within the Maraenui community and empowering community members to make
positive lifestyle choices. The initiative's core components include three kaupapa Māori social
enterprise ventures: the Patu healthy lifestyle programs, the Meke Meter wellbeing self-assessment
tool, and the Domynis wellbeing pod—a mobile gym designed by Māori, for Māori. Collectively,
these enterprises foster a holistic approach to hauora, addressing physical, mental, emotional, and
spiritual dimensions embacing Te Whare Tapa Whā model.
Using a case study approach and appreciative inquiry methodology, community members shared
their experiences and perceptions of the initiative's impact on individual and collective health. Data
collection methods, such as individual and group interviews, along with anonymous feedback forms,
provided valuable insights into the initiative's effectiveness and areas for improvement. The study
emphasised the importance of whanaungataunga, community engagement, amplifying voices, and
celebrating successes. Themes of community unity facilitated by inclusiveness and accessibilty,
empowerment through cultural relevance, and the positive impacts on individual and collective
wellbeing were echoed in the purakau shared by the community. Stakeholders, including Maraenui
residents, non-residents associated with Maraenui, Napier City Council, and New Zealand police,
expressed overwhelming support for the initiative, highlighting its positive effects on community
health and wellbeing.
Overall, the M.E.K.E. Initiative serves as a model for collaborative, culturally responsive health
initiatives that promote unity, wellness, and equity within predominantly Māori communities.
fitness equity within the Maraenui community and empowering community members to make
positive lifestyle choices. The initiative's core components include three kaupapa Māori social
enterprise ventures: the Patu healthy lifestyle programs, the Meke Meter wellbeing self-assessment
tool, and the Domynis wellbeing pod—a mobile gym designed by Māori, for Māori. Collectively,
these enterprises foster a holistic approach to hauora, addressing physical, mental, emotional, and
spiritual dimensions embacing Te Whare Tapa Whā model.
Using a case study approach and appreciative inquiry methodology, community members shared
their experiences and perceptions of the initiative's impact on individual and collective health. Data
collection methods, such as individual and group interviews, along with anonymous feedback forms,
provided valuable insights into the initiative's effectiveness and areas for improvement. The study
emphasised the importance of whanaungataunga, community engagement, amplifying voices, and
celebrating successes. Themes of community unity facilitated by inclusiveness and accessibilty,
empowerment through cultural relevance, and the positive impacts on individual and collective
wellbeing were echoed in the purakau shared by the community. Stakeholders, including Maraenui
residents, non-residents associated with Maraenui, Napier City Council, and New Zealand police,
expressed overwhelming support for the initiative, highlighting its positive effects on community
health and wellbeing.
Overall, the M.E.K.E. Initiative serves as a model for collaborative, culturally responsive health
initiatives that promote unity, wellness, and equity within predominantly Māori communities.
Biography
Dr Rachel Forrest (BSc Zoology, PG Dip Laboratory Technology, PhD Molecular Genetics) was born
and raised in Marton, Rangitikei. Paternally, she is of Ngāti Maniapoto descent, while maternally she
has European roots. Rachel has lived in the Hawke’s Bay since 2008 where her research has focused
on culturally-responsive community-based health initiatives to reach under-serviced communities.
Rachel’s research passion is enhancing the health and wellbeing of both humans and animals. Her
research often falls under the umbrella of “One Welfare”, a concept that recognises that human
wellbeing, animal welfare, and the environment are all interconnected, which aligns well with te ao.
Rachel Forrest
Empowering Community Wellbeing: The M.E.K.E. Initiative a Pro-Equity Approach to United Health and Fitness.
Abstract
The M.E.K.E. Initiative has been a transformative community project aimed at enhancing health and fitness equity within the Maraenui community and empowering community members to make positive lifestyle choices. The initiative's core components include three kaupapa Māori social enterprise ventures: the Patu healthy lifestyle programs, the Meke Meter wellbeing self-assessment
tool, and the Domynis wellbeing pod—a mobile gym designed by Māori, for Māori. Collectively, these enterprises foster a holistic approach to hauora, addressing physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions embacing Te Whare Tapa Whā model.
Using a case study approach and appreciative inquiry methodology, community members shared their experiences and perceptions of the initiative's impact on individual and collective health. Data collection methods, such as individual and group interviews, along with anonymous feedback forms, provided valuable insights into the initiative's effectiveness and areas for improvement. The study emphasised the importance of whanaungataunga, community engagement, amplifying voices, and celebrating successes. Themes of community unity facilitated by inclusiveness and accessibilty, empowerment through cultural relevance, and the positive impacts on individual and collective wellbeing were echoed in the purakau shared by the community. Stakeholders, including Maraenui residents, non-residents associated with Maraenui, Napier City Council, and New Zealand police, expressed overwhelming support for the initiative, highlighting its positive effects on community health and wellbeing.
Overall, the M.E.K.E. Initiative serves as a model for collaborative, culturally responsive health initiatives that promote unity, wellness, and equity within predominantly Māori communities.
tool, and the Domynis wellbeing pod—a mobile gym designed by Māori, for Māori. Collectively, these enterprises foster a holistic approach to hauora, addressing physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions embacing Te Whare Tapa Whā model.
Using a case study approach and appreciative inquiry methodology, community members shared their experiences and perceptions of the initiative's impact on individual and collective health. Data collection methods, such as individual and group interviews, along with anonymous feedback forms, provided valuable insights into the initiative's effectiveness and areas for improvement. The study emphasised the importance of whanaungataunga, community engagement, amplifying voices, and celebrating successes. Themes of community unity facilitated by inclusiveness and accessibilty, empowerment through cultural relevance, and the positive impacts on individual and collective wellbeing were echoed in the purakau shared by the community. Stakeholders, including Maraenui residents, non-residents associated with Maraenui, Napier City Council, and New Zealand police, expressed overwhelming support for the initiative, highlighting its positive effects on community health and wellbeing.
Overall, the M.E.K.E. Initiative serves as a model for collaborative, culturally responsive health initiatives that promote unity, wellness, and equity within predominantly Māori communities.
Biography
Dr Rachel Forrest (BSc Zoology, PG Dip Laboratory Technology, PhD Molecular Genetics) was born and raised in Marton, Rangitikei. Paternally, she is of Ngāti Maniapoto descent, while maternally she has European roots. Rachel has lived in the Hawke’s Bay since 2008 where her research has focused on culturally and community-responsive health initiatives to reach under-serviced communities. Rachel’s research passion is enhancing the health and wellbeing of both humans and animals. Her research often falls under the umbrella of “One Welfare”, a concept that recognises that human wellbeing, animal welfare, and the environment are all interconnected, which aligns well with te ao Māori.
cindy paardekooper
Chief Executive Officer
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Palliative Care Association Inc.
Culturally Grounded Palliative Care - Promoting Wellbeing and Healing at End of Life
Abstract
The returning to Spirit (palliative care) journey for Australia’s First Nations communities presents an intersection of cultural, spiritual, social, and healthcare perspectives, significantly impacting the wellbeing and healing for individuals facing life-limiting illnesses and their families.
First Nations patients generally present with multiple co-morbidities, complex cultural and social challenges and are often referred late in the last year of life. Most palliative care services are not equipped to adequately respond appropriately.
Culturally grounded palliative and end of life care embodies a comprehensive approach that respects and integrates First Nations worldviews, values, healing traditions and acknowledgment of the interconnectedness of the physical, emotional, spiritual, cultural and social dimensions of health and wellbeing. Traditional medicines and healing practices, storytelling, returning to Country, family and community care and support, are central at end of life and the ongoing journey of the spiritual passage.
Research indicates that culturally responsive palliative and end of life care interventions significantly enhance the wellbeing and healing journey of First Nations patients and their families. By honouring cultural practices and kinship systems, these interventions promote dignity, autonomy and comfort while mitigating feelings of isolation and disconnection often experienced within mainstream healthcare settings. Additionally, culturally grounded palliative care provides potential opportunities for intergenerational healing, reconciliation and the transmission of relevant cultural knowledges and wisdom for care.
By prioritising cultural safety, respect, and collaboration, healthcare providers can co-create care environments that promote holistic wellbeing. In turn, facilitating a ‘good death’ and meaningful end-of-life experiences for the patient, and supporting healing and resilience for the families who remain.
First Nations patients generally present with multiple co-morbidities, complex cultural and social challenges and are often referred late in the last year of life. Most palliative care services are not equipped to adequately respond appropriately.
Culturally grounded palliative and end of life care embodies a comprehensive approach that respects and integrates First Nations worldviews, values, healing traditions and acknowledgment of the interconnectedness of the physical, emotional, spiritual, cultural and social dimensions of health and wellbeing. Traditional medicines and healing practices, storytelling, returning to Country, family and community care and support, are central at end of life and the ongoing journey of the spiritual passage.
Research indicates that culturally responsive palliative and end of life care interventions significantly enhance the wellbeing and healing journey of First Nations patients and their families. By honouring cultural practices and kinship systems, these interventions promote dignity, autonomy and comfort while mitigating feelings of isolation and disconnection often experienced within mainstream healthcare settings. Additionally, culturally grounded palliative care provides potential opportunities for intergenerational healing, reconciliation and the transmission of relevant cultural knowledges and wisdom for care.
By prioritising cultural safety, respect, and collaboration, healthcare providers can co-create care environments that promote holistic wellbeing. In turn, facilitating a ‘good death’ and meaningful end-of-life experiences for the patient, and supporting healing and resilience for the families who remain.
Biography
Cindy Paardekooper, proud Kokatha woman from far west coast, South Australia, Aboriginal Consultant for Palliative Care Education Aged care and other Aboriginal affairs, in the Northern Territory, and South Australia. Cindy is extensively involved in national and state level palliative care projects, CEO for the First Nations Palliative Care Alliance and co-lead of the South Australian Approach to Aboriginal Comfort Care-Pathways to Palliative and Finalist in the National Palliative Care Awards 2023. Cindy maintains a strong desire to support and advocate for First Nations Communities to achieve improved end of life outcomes, maintaining strong connections to culture, kin and Country.
Co-Presenter Eliza Munro:
Eliza is a proud mother of five and spiritual woman from the Gamilaroi Nation. Eliza has a background in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, spending the last 20 years in government and community-controlled organisations contributing to the health and well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Eliza is passionate about supporting the palliative and end-of-life care journey for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities by enhancing culturally safe and responsive health services and raising awareness of palliative care supports for community. Eliza is also committed to enhancing death literacy within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, from advance care yarning, planning ahead for sad news and sorry business and sharing information that supports the grieving and healing journey following bereavement loss. Eliza draws motivation from personal experiences of not knowing loved ones wishes and being unprepared for sorry business.
