Pākehā/Palangi positionality: disentangling power and paralysis

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Indigenous Health
• Health Equity

Background:

• Significant health inequities in Aotearoa indicate a failure to uphold responsibilities under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Pākehā/Palangi health practitioners examine their roles and challenges within Māori and Pasifika health services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the experiences of Pākehā/Palangi working in Māori and Pasifika health.
• To identify barriers preventing the upholding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi responsibilities by tangata Tiriti (people of the Treaty).
• To propose strategies for tangata Tiriti to improve their practice and support self-determination.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative exploration of Pākehā/Palangi experiences in Indigenous health settings.
• Analysis of "power," "paralysis," and "positionality" as key concepts.
• Evaluation of systemic factors perpetuating colonisation and racism.

Main Results:

• "Power" dynamics are identified as central to perpetuating colonisation and systemic racism.
• "Paralysis" stems from individual racism, apathy, guilt, or fear of making mistakes.
• "Positionality" involves recognizing and managing biases, privileges, and identities.

Conclusions:

• Addressing power imbalances, overcoming paralysis, and understanding positionality are essential for tangata Tiriti.
• Developing effective tools for engagement can support Māori and Pasifika self-determination.
• Upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi requires active commitment and critical self-reflection from Pākehā/Palangi health professionals.