'Getting used to the First Nation person in the room’: A discussion on field practice in Australia

• Main Authors: Hennessey, Kiel, Keed, Steven, Howard, Rachael, Bennett, Bindi, Pallas, Phillip, Agllias, Kylie
• Other Authors: The University of Newcastle. College of Human & Social Futures, School of Humanities and Social Science
• Format: Book Part
• Language: English
• Published: Routledge 2022
• Subjects: literature; Aboriginal people; social justice; first nations peoples; First Nations
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle}

Whilst writing another chapter on Australia, the authors realised there is little to no literature led by Aboriginal people about their social work field placements. Given social work’s desire for social justice, we thought it vital to begin to start these conversations and to address the large gaps that may not only be affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples but may be relevant to First Nations peoples internationally. First Nations people rely on respectful and reciprocal relationships. For too long, First Nations people have had research done to them instead of with them. The non-Indigenous authors were very aware of the power imbalances and the history of social workers in this space. As part of their cultural responsiveness, the non- Indigenous (white) academics wanted to make sure that this chapter was led by First Nations peoples and experiences. The team was gathered based on existing relationships but also with a variety of ages and genders to have diverse voices. This process has been Aboriginal-led and in a recipricol and respectful process.