An Otago research project in which whānau share their cancer journeys on video has won the inaugural Hei Āhuru Mōwai Whānau Voice Award for best presentation at the World Indigenous Cancer Conference held in Auckland in April.
The research project, Ngā Kōrero Pono (The True and Honest Stories), is a collaboration between the University's Pōneke campus and Tū Kotahi Māori Asthma Trust at Kōkiri Marae in Wellington.
Lead researcher Cheryl Davies (Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Mutunga ki Te Wharekauri, Ngāti Pikiao), from the Department of Public Health and manager of Tū Kotahi says sharing the voices of whānau affected by cancer in an international Indigenous space, felt incredibly meaningful.
"Winning the award was honestly very humbling. We were presenting alongside so many inspiring Indigenous researchers and clinicians from around the world, so it was a huge honour for our team and our wider kaupapa."
The videos were developed at wānanga led by the team of researchers at marae in three regions of the North Island – in the Hutt Valley, Kāpiti Coast and South Auckland. Whānau shared their cancer journeys within a story circle whakawhanaungatanga process, and were then supported to develop and record their stories.
The 12 short videos will be shown to health sector workers, clinicians and policymakers to help them better understand what whānau-centred care truly looks and feels like from the perspective of whānau themselves.
Cheryl says she hopes they will help improve cancer care experiences for Māori and their whānau.
"The digital stories are powerful because they move beyond numbers and allow people to connect emotionally with the realities of the cancer journey. They highlight not only the challenges and inequities experienced by whānau, but also the importance of culture, relationships, whakawhanaungatanga and collective support throughout the cancer pathway.
"We also hope the project helps create spaces where whānau feel seen, heard and less alone in their cancer journeys."
Cheryl says the award belongs to the whānau who entrusted the researchers with their stories.
"Their courage, openness and generosity are the heart of Ngā Kōrero Pono. The award also reflects the collective mahi of our research team, community partners, Māori artists, videographer and kaimahi who helped create culturally safe spaces for these stories to be shared."
Importantly, Cheryl says, the stories remain the taonga of the whānau who created them.
"Whānau maintain rangatiratanga over how their stories are shared and used."
Cheryl expressed her gratitude to Professor Jacquie Kidd (Ngāpuhi) from Auckland University of Technology and her whānau for the inaugural award.
Ngā Kōrero Pono was part of a wider research programme, 'Whakatōmuri, whakamua: Walking backwards into the future of Māori cancer care', funded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand. The programme, led by Professor Jason Gurney, explores aspects of the availability, affordability and acceptability of cancer care for Māori and their whānau, with a view to informing improvements in care access and survival outcomes.
– Kōrero by Cheryl Norrie, Communications Adviser, University of Otago, Wellington
