Building Trust: A Cross-Cultural Narrative Process

Abstract

The transition to fatherhood is a complex journey scarcely researched in Australian First Nations populations. Historical and political legacy, along with cultural traditions must be taken into consideration before exploring the experiences of Australia's First Nations expectant fathers, especially when the experience is related to the millennia honored “women's business.” This article shares the challenges, opportunities, and rewards the authors experienced while researching with Australia's First Nations men who supported their partners during childbirth in a hospital setting. Ethical insights and input from all members of the research team ensured that culturally safe strategies were used to address all encountered difficulties. Building a trusting relationship with the local community was fundamental to the legitimacy, richness, and success of this research project. Lessons learned from this experience can provide an insight to non-Indigenous researchers choosing to conduct or support research with Australia's First Nations people in a respectful and meaningful manner.