Reviews of In Our Own Right

Message Stick program online 19 September 2005
Health: "In our own right: Black Australian Nurses' Stories"

Why are health outcomes for Indigenous Australians so poor? In a candid expression of untold injustices and triumphs, independent publisher eContent Management launches a landmark book this month. In Our Own Right: Black Australian Nurses' Stories is an intimate collection of individual accounts written by Indigenous nurses - who currently account for only 0.05 per cent of Australian registered nurses.

The first novel of its kind, In Our Own Right: Black Australian Nurses' Stories is a powerful testament to the careers and lives of 23 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and men as they fought public battles of family separation, racial discrimination and prejudice to successfully pursue a career in nursing.

Sally Goold, Order of Australia medal recipient for service to Nursing Education and Aboriginal Health (1986) and co-editor of the book, believes it is an important part of the nursing profession's history, unearthing untold stories of strength and endurance.

"This book is a celebration of Indigenous Australian nurses and the difficulties they have overcome. It is not about directing blame or guilt, but rather a commemoration of their achievements and an inspiration for all Indigenous peoples," says Sally Goold.

Stories document a range of personal journeys; from dealing with discriminatory patients and educators, and the difficulties of accessing educational materials, to achieving recognised qualifications and passionate efforts to contribute to nursing and the wellbeing of Indigenous communities.

Ardently honest and radiating quiet humility, the raw candor with which these women and men write will surely soften even the toughest critic and inspire respect for the cultural challenges experienced by nurses of racial minorities.

"If this book results in improved recruitment and retention of Indigenous nurses in education and community health care then we shall feel that it has achieved its aim - that of contributing to cultural understanding and improved Indigenous health outcomes," says publisher James Davidson.

Link to original article on www.abc.net.au

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