Cultural Safety: A First Nations Perspective

Abstract

Curriculum designed to promote the cultural safety of health professionals is now expected in Australia. There is, however, limited research demonstrating the relationship between this curriculum content and the ability to work in a culturally safe manner. Eleven advisory group members were recruited from various First Nations groups in Australia. Through participation in Yarns, members were invited to describe their experiences of cultural safety in healthcare and their desires regarding the education of healthcare students. Yarns were digitally audio-recorded and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. For First Nations Peoples, cultural safety is a multifaceted, lifelong journey, marked by continuous growth and relational learning. The experience of cultural safety is unique to each person receiving care. Authentic relationships and respect for cultural protocols and responsibilities are essential. Forming genuine connections with local First Nations Communities and sustaining authentic relationships through empathy, respect and deep listening is fundamental. Structural barriers to addressing cultural safety were identified, including: constraints on the time and resources of health professionals; the enduring impact of colonial policies; the role of tertiary institutions in marginalising Indigenous knowledges and voices, and the fact that opportunities for creating respectful and direct engagement with First Nations Communities remain limited in tertiary education programmes.

Keywords: First Nations; First Nations identity; First Nations methodology; Indigenous health; community engagement; cultural safety; healthcare students.