Starting a PhD is a daunting process; a commitment to academia that can occupy your entire life and take you away from family and friends.
For proud Woppaburra woman Julie Rogers, whilst the work has been hard, her academic interests have spawned a life-changing experience.
Studying at Central Queensland University (CQU), Dr Rogers' thesis, Yilum: Cultural Continuity and Wellness Among Woppaburra Women: A Model of Recovery, Rediscovery, Reconnection, Regeneration, Resilience and Resurgence (The 6 R's), looks at addressing the historical and contemporary challenges faced by Woppaburra women.
From the ongoing impacts of colonialism to the gendered health gap and systemic racism, the 6 R's serve as a model on how culturally informed research can help to address injustices and support First Nations communities.
The Woppaburra people are the sovereign custodians of the Keppel islands on the Central East Coast of Queensland, Dr Rogers said, noting her heritage was a motivating factor for the study.
"In 1902, my ancestors were massacred down to 17 people and forcibly removed from our sea country," she said.
"I believe culturally, I had an ancestral mandate from my great grandfather to bring our people together by connecting women with our cultural heritage — bridging the past and future in the present."
Having employed an Indigenist research framework, as well as culturally responsive methods, Dr Rogers said the research had already brought significant benefits to the Woppaburra people, both in terms of engagement, and impact.
"Indigenous knowledge is not just a paradigm within Western Academia, we have our own knowledge systems, and they should be valued and respected," she said.
By combining the Western-style academic lens so often associated with a PhD with cultural knowledge, Dr Rogers has been able to foster a more inclusive and respectful understanding of First Nations women's roles and contributions.
"The study has brought together Woppaburra women, some of whom had never met their family members before, enabling them to foster connections and the sharing of cultural knowledge," she said, arguing this gave the women an enhanced sense of connection and pride in their cultural identity.
"I was able to identify fundamental cultural domains within the Woppaburra worldview, including Country and spirituality, Lore and ceremony, family and kinship, men's and women's business, totems, art, dance and song, language, and relationship entities like weather, flora and fauna, food, medicines, and implements."
Dr Rogers added that her "biggest achievement" was having the opportunity to have four generations of Woppaburra women and children on Country.
"This has occurred a minimum of three times during my PhD and this has not happened since our removal in 1902," she said.
She said her plan for the future was to continue her work in the First Nations cultural space, including by joining CQUniversity as a Senior Research Officer at the Jawun Research Institute.
Dr Rogers added the "spiritual journey" of her PhD meant that "at times when I thought I should defer or quit, I believe my ancestors put things in my way to get me back on track".
"My passion for social and emotional wellbeing, mental health and overall wellness for my people has only continued to grow, "she said.
"I plan to proceed with more language revival and establishing regular women's activities, such as Welcoming new Woppaburra descendants on Country to resurge our cultural lores, values and practices.
"Through my role at CQU, I am also currently involved in two projects that aim to improve the health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people."
