Decolonising Disability: Quandamooka Weaving

This thesis explores the voice of Australia’s First Nation Quandamooka community of Moreton Bay, Queensland, in caring for one another, with a special focus on disability. First Nations peoples experience some of the poorest social, health and economic outcomes of any group in Australia and experience higher rates of disability than non-Indigenous Australians. Their experience of disability is compounded by institutional racism in the health care sector as well as the ongoing impact of colonisation. Whilst previous research has focused on vulnerabilities, there is little known of the strengths of First Nations communities in managing and negotiating disabilities, or the role of traditional knowledges and practices in this space and its contribution to sustainability and inclusion. This research project aims to capture and elevate the voices of the Quandamooka community with the intention of furthering the decolonisation of the disability sector. The project aims to add to the body of knowledge in a manner that is inclusive, culturally appropriate and culturally safe whilst also contributing to sustainability and inclusive practices across all sectors. The objectives of this research are: to gain a better understanding of Indigenous disability, including what traditional systems and practices that were used to care for community members and the current strengths of the community in negotiating and supporting community members with a disability; and to contribute to the improvement of services to First Nations peoples with disabilities. The research approach uses Indigenist Research methodologies based on Quandamooka ontology. Data was collected through a virtual yarning group (a Facebook group called Gana Barra Quandamooka), autoethnography and in-depth interviews in close partnership with Indigenous community leaders, specifically the Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders in Council. Data was analysed using thematic analysis. Results suggest that disability is not considered as something separate from being of Quandamooka mob. It is accepted and included as part of life, and many are reluctant to highlight anyone’s differences. For Quandamooka mob, improving the circumstances of one member of the community is ineffective; we must all move forward together, taking into account the context in which that person lives. Community members have been clear that to support the most vulnerable, we need to be supported to reinstate our own cultural practices through the Elders in Council. These are the basic structures of our traditional societies through which we can yarn, plan and support one another for the future. Culture is accessible to all, viewed as a safety net for mob who may face barriers to accessing formal systems and services. It is also described as a source of positive emotions and well-being. The individualistic and separative structure of the NDIS does not fit with the way Quandamooka mob want to manage the needs of community members, disability or not, into the future. The benefits of access to supports through NDIS is noted, but it is viewed as a way to access support, not as support itself. NDIS is not seen as inherently good or bad, but a policy and approach to implementation with potential to change the landscape of disability supports, however, it remains difficult to access, particularly for people experiencing intersectional discrimination. Quandamooka mob are passionate about the importance of sovereignty in all aspects of life and this includes the disability sector. The support offered by culture has been impaired by ongoing colonisation and the capacity to practice culture is being severely impacted by the ongoing dominance of western worldviews; the priority remains sovereignty and access to culture and Country for Quandamooka mob with disability.