Enhancing equitable inclusion for the Pasifika diaspora in mainstream Australia, using Pasifika methodologies within higher education and community settings
Sione, Inez Fainga'a-Manu, Harvey, A., Stuart, Jaimee, Statham, M., Pelite, N., Aloalii, F. and Aloalii, R., (2024). Enhancing equitable inclusion for the Pasifika diaspora in mainstream Australia, using Pasifika methodologies within higher education and community settings. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, 43(6), 910-925
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http://dx.doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1108/EDI-11-2022-0313 Full text from publisher -
Sub-type Journal article Author Sione, Inez Fainga'a-Manu
Harvey, A.
Stuart, Jaimee
Statham, M.
Pelite, N.
Aloalii, F.
Aloalii, R.Title Enhancing equitable inclusion for the Pasifika diaspora in mainstream Australia, using Pasifika methodologies within higher education and community settings Appearing in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Volume 43 Issue No. 6 Publication Date 2024-09-10 Place of Publication Online Publisher Emerald Group Publishing Start page 910 End page 925 Language eng Abstract Purpose This paper identifies the value of Indigenous processes in developing a reciprocal working relationship between a Pasifika grass roots community organisation, Pasifika Church and an Australian university. The focus is on the capacity of Indigenous methodologies to authentically attain equity, diversity and inclusion, during the development of stakeholder partnerships, particularly when there are power and resource imbalances between parties. Design/methodology/approach This paper is about the process of how Pasifika methodologies, namely talanoa, e-talanoa and teu le va, were used to create positive reciprocal relationships in a culturally grounded manner. The outcome was an agreement of the three stakeholders, the Pasifika Church, the Pasifika organisation and a tertiary institute to work together on a community educational and training project. Findings The agreement by all parties to adopt Indigenous methodologies from inception enabled the process to be community-led in a culturally safe manner. Critically, these cultural processes established a foundation of trust, expanding possibilities for shared work and projects. For migrant communities, the advocacy and employment of cultural methodologies can empower them through negotiations to maintain their sovereignty over their Indigenous knowledge and priorities. Similarly, it is important for universities and mainstream organisations not only to acknowledge power imbalances and to support community-led priorities but also to cede power around processes of negotiation and discussion. Research limitations/implications This is an experience of four organisations working together. It is uncertain whether the same outcome could be attained with other organisations, personalities and cultural groups. Practical implications The same principles may be harnessed for other migrant communities, allowing for their cultural practices to inform the ways in which stakeholders work together as opposed to the often-dominant euro-centric practices of the West. It is a deliberate effort that privileges Indigenous ways of being, knowing and doing. Social implications Migrant communities that perhaps may be subject to the more Western dominant environment are empowered to use their cultural frameworks to create an equal ground with government, tertiary and not-for-profit stakeholders. Originality/value This article is one of the first in Australia to document how talanoa, e-talanoa and teu le va were used to develop a working partnership in a culturally grounded manner to uphold the sovereignty of grassroots Indigenous organisations. This strengthens relationships between migrant communities and mainstream organisations. It outlines Pasifika protocols and successful use of equitable decision-making, led by a grassroots community organisation, a Pasifika Church, whilst liaising with a multi-campus university. Copyright Holder Emerald Group Publishing Copyright Year 2024 Copyright type All rights reserved DOI https://doi.org/10.1108/EDI-11-2022-0313 -
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