Yatdjuligin: the stories of Queensland Aboriginal registered nurses 1950–2005

Abstract

This research and its presentation as a dissertation was undertaken utilising an Aboriginal methodology. This methodology, known as Djarpligin, is used by South/Western Gurreng Gurreng people for the transference of our knowledges. Djaparligin translates to singing corroboree. This means it is bound to Gurreng Gurreng language, inclusive of our songlines and ceremonies. This methodology is utilised to tell the stories of the participants of this research. The findings of this research are the stories of the participants as they describe their journeys as Aboriginal women who are registered nurses. The presenting of this thesis is Yatdjuligin. An in-depth literature review was required for this research and it is more than a literature review but it is a component of my Djaparligin methodology. A thorough investigation was undertaken to look at the stories of Aboriginal nurses in Queensland and Australia. In constructing the stories of the research participants it was essential to contextualise them. First and foremost is their Aboriginality. This is entwined with the nursing history of each era and finally the government policies of the day. This was further contextualised by undertaking a substantial review of the literature to explore the voices of Indigenous nurses in the United States, Canada and New Zealand. The findings of this research are ‘Yatdjuligin: The Stories of Queensland Aboriginal Registered Nurses 1950–2005’.