New project with Djirra
The CIJ is embarking on an exciting new collaboration with Djirra and PWC’s Indigenous Consulting to develop a model and plan for implementation for a residential program for Aboriginal women in Victoria.
The “Aboriginal Women’s Residential Program Feasibility Study” has been commissioned by the Victorian Government’s Koori Justice Unit and Djirra will be the lead agency. This project is an exciting step closer to a much-needed and discussed program, one of the goals of the current Aboriginal Justice Agreement Burra Lotjpa Dunguludja (“Senior Leaders Talking Strong”).
The project will also be a leading example of ethical research with Aboriginal people, respecting and enacting Aboriginal sovereignty and modelling culturally appropriate ways of engaging with Aboriginal participants and stakeholders. Core to the research process proposed is engaging Aboriginal participants in yarning circles where women will be able to draw on their lived experience and knowledge to assess program models presented to them.
The research methodology is attuned to resilience, rather than ‘deficit models’, or invasive lines of questioning about trauma and criminalisation. This means that the research partners will enact a strengths-based approach, seeking input from Aboriginal organisations, communities and individual participants which draws on their expertise, strength and lived experience as experts in the design of solutions, not as subjects of research.
Elena Campbell will lead the CIJ team for this project, supported by Tallace Bissett, Riley Ellard and Jasmine Ali.
