A Conversation with Professor Denise Wilson

Can you tell us about your background and how it plays a part in your involvement in organising this summit?

 

I have a background as a registered nurse and nurse education before transitioning to Māori health. This led me to connect with other Indigenous nurses in Australia, Canada, and 
the United States. In 2017, I was invited to speak at the first Indigenous Nursing Research for Health Equity Summit hosted by Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida. Since that summit, I have been regularly meeting with Indigenous nursing colleagues, including Professor John Lowe from the University of Texas – Austin, Professor Odette Best from the University of Southern Queensland, and Associate Professor Lisa Bourque Bearskin from the University of Victoria, BC.

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Why the focus on Indigenous research, and especially in nursing?

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I am dedicated to conducting research aimed at enhancing the quality of healthcare experiences for Māori and contributing to improved health outcomes. I started my education career before the introduction of Kawa Whakaruruhau/Cultural Safety into nursing. It confirmed what I observed in clinical practice – that Māori were treated differently than other patients by colleagues. This sparked my interest in achieving equity in health outcomes for Māori and other minority groups.​

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What role do you envision for nurses in addressing health disparities experienced by Indigenous communities?

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Nurses, both in Aotearoa and around the world, make up the largest professional health workforce. They also spend the most time with individuals seeking healthcare and are able to establish meaningful relationships with those dealing with long-term health conditions. As a result, they have numerous opportunities 
to positively impact the health and wellness of Indigenous communities.​

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How will this event contribute to the broader efforts of promoting cultural competence and sensitivity in healthcare?

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Gathering with other Indigenous researchers with similar colonial-settler histories and contemporary issues for Indigenous nurses that have detrimentally impacted Indigenous health and wellbeing. It enables the sharing of ideas, solutions, practices, and importantly, the formation of connections. Personally, I have found engaging with my Indigenous nursing research colleagues has enriched my research practice. We have also formed a strong alliance. Kawa Whakaruruhau and cultural safety are significant issues in the healthcare of Indigenous peoples, not just in Aotearoa but also in other countries where their Indigenous populations face inequities in access to and quality of healthcare and health outcomes. The Summit will be an opportunity to share what happens in each country attending.

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Can you share a memorable experience or story from your work highlighting the importance of Indigenous research in nursing?

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 In my doctoral research, I had a valuable encounter with a patient who had multiple admissions to a medical unit. Colleagues had made assumptions about her non-compliance with treatment, but through a conversation with her, I discovered that she simply lacked understanding 
of her medications and their proper usage. This experience highlighted the importance of effective patient education and support before their discharge.
Indigenous research provides valuable insights 
into the experiences of Indigenous healthcare users, which in turn can inform nursing practice. 
For example, recent research involving whānau revealed the importance of establishing meaningful connections when first engaging with patients and their families. This emphasis on building relationships and trust is essential for providing effective care.

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What message do you have for nurses and healthcare professionals who want to support Indigenous health initiatives?

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Building meaningful relationships is crucial when engaging with Indigenous peoples. Kindness, care, and non-judgmental attitudes are essential, as many have past experiences that lead to mistrust. Genuine, non-judgmental engagement and connection are critical in this context.

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What are your hopes for what this summit will accomplish?

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Encourage Indigenous researchers to share research practices, activities, and methodologies focused on sharing Indigenous stories and realities.

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What are some of the key topics and themes that will be covered during the Summit? 

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We will be covering transformative Indigenous research praxis, data sovereignty and sharing 
a range of findings for research conducted by Indigenous graduate students and academics.

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What types of activities or workshops can attendees expect?

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We will offer a range of presentations – keynote presentations, panels, 3-minute presentations, and PechaKucha Presentations. The day before the conference begins, we will have an Indigenous research students gathering where students can form connections and share. We envisage a range of issues impacting Indigenous research, and Indigenous health and wellbeing including Indigenous research methodologies, data sovereignty, nursing workforce issues and climate change and adaptation. 

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Why is it important to have a dedicated day for Indigenous research in nursing?

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Often, Indigenous nurses and researchers do not have the opportunity to come together and connect. This summit provides an opportunity to gather, meet, kōrero and share. Hopefully, they will form long-term connections and friendships.

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What are your plans for the future of Indigenous Research Day? 

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The next summit will be in Canada in 2026. We will hear the details of this summit when we hand over the conference from here in Aotearoa to those from Canada.

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What has been the most rewarding aspect of organising this Summit for you personally?

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Engaging with amazing people who share similar hopes and aspirations and experiences.

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Any final words of wisdom?

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Indigenous research provides insights into the realities and experiences of Indigenous healthcare users and how these can inform nursing practice. For instance, recent research with whānau about their experiences of engaging with hospital services allowed them to share their realities when they enter healthcare and what is needed going forward. It highlighted the importance of whakawhanaungatanga when first engaging with patients and their whānau – that is, engaging and connecting – essential for forming relationships and trust.

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