Pacific research impact transforms Pacific communities

Diverse contributions to Pacific research that honour Pacific values were showcased at the third EDSW Research Impact Series seminar on 11 June.

The seminar featured Selena Meiklejohn Whiu, Sarah Va’afusuaga McRobie and Dr Analosa Veukiso-Ulugia.

They highlighted the significance of how as researchers, they have engaged in the initiation, design and co-design (both quantitative and qualitative) of their studies, while fostering connections with their respective Pacific communities.

Selena Meiklejohn-Whiu used an Indigenous lens in her research and spoke about the use of vā principles to support students’ (counter) stories, contributing to the development of Moana Educational Identities (MEI).

Resources were curated to encourage exploration, reflection and to potentially challenge the students’ socially constructed perceptions of self.

Her study included a digital learning design aspect, informed by what she described as vā principles of reciprocity, respect, reverence and responsibility. Students created digital artefacts and stories that were a way of exploring their Moana educational identities.

She said working alongside schools with aiga and primary and intermediate-aged students needed to be done respectfully.“

The notion of respect for who you are doing the research with and for is hugely important.Meiklejohn-Whiu also spoke about the potential for her work to be used by different school communities.

Sarah Va’afusuaga McRobie highlighted insights from her doctoral thesis titled, E fofō le alamea le alamea: Developing a Pacific Indigenous Counselling (PIC) model for Pacific survivors of sexual violence trauma.

“My research study developed a Pacific Indigenous counselling model for Pacific survivors of sexual violence trauma, which is a complex, tapu and taboo subject that needs to be talked about.

Most of us know one person who has been impacted by sexual violence within our families, communities or churches,” she said.Although sexual violence trauma is a significant health issue for people in Aotearoa New Zealand, she said relatively few Pacific survivors of sexual violence currently access counselling.

She said addressing the needs of Pacific survivors of sexual violence trauma requires culturally appropriate, trauma-informed approaches to talking therapies such as counselling and psychotherapy, which at the moment don’t exist.

“My qualitative study aimed to develop a therapeutic model for use with Pacific survivors of sexual violence trauma, informed by the clinical, cultural, and lived experiences of 14 Pacific counsellors and psychotherapists.

“Although there is the harsh reality of sexual violence happening within our Pacific families, communities and churches, our data revealed that our Pacific survivors and families are strong and resilient,” McRobie said.

“The PIC model captures the Indigenous wisdom, the cultural and spiritual knowledge that has been passed down from generations. An example is the spiritual healing, faith-based approaches that can be found within the communities and can contribute to the collective health and wellbeing of not only the Pasifika survivor, but also to their families, communities and churches.”

She talked about E fofō e le alamea le alamea, an Indigenous Sāmoan proverb that describes how the remedy for the toxic sting of the alamea (crown-of-thorns starfish) can be found in the starfish itself.

The proverb suggests that the solutions for issues affecting Pacific communities can be found within those communities, she said.

The model developed in this study is consistent with this belief and grounded in the understanding that solutions for engaging and healing Pacific survivors of sexual violence trauma lie within the community, where there is collective, spiritual, and cultural knowledge of Indigenous healing and resilience.

McRobie said the Pacific Indigenous Counselling (PIC) model foregrounds this Pacific knowledge while drawing on fundamental principles and practices from trauma-informed counselling therapy.

Dr Analosa Veukiso-Ulugia highlighted key findings from ‘Talavou le Moana’ - the Pacific Youth19 Health and Wellbeing Report, which was based on data from over 7,000 secondary school students in Aotearoa New Zealand. This research showcased the strengths, challenges, and opportunities to support Pacific young people and their families.

Specialising in Pacific youth health, Veukiso-Ulugia is committed to the empowerment of Pacific communities, specifically in sexual health and wellbeing.

All three speakers reminded the audience of the need to explain the “why” of the research.

“Take your family on your journey with you,” Veukiso-Ulugia said, “every step in the journey counts, although you might not see it at the time.

“It’s important to share stories and recognise the assets, skills and talents of every young person, family and community.

“Through our research we need to stay engaged with our community and that is the biggest impact you will have throughout your research journey.

About the researchers

Mrs Sarah McRobie
In addition to being a lecturer in the Faculty of Education and Social Work’s School of Counselling, Human Services and Social Work, Sarah is a registered counsellor, who supervises the clinical and cultural practices of other counsellors in the Pacific community.

Ms Selena Meiklejohn-Whiu (Samoa, Raukawa, Pākehā) 
Selena is a Research Fellow, in the Faculty of Education and Social Work’s School of Curriculum and Pedagogy. Selena works across multiple research projects, utilising her years of teaching and facilitation experience.

Dr Analosa Veukiso-Ulugia
Analosa is a Sāmoan academic and health professional in the Faculty of Education and Social Work’s School of Curriculum and Pedagogy specialising in Pacific sexual wellbeing and youth health.