Welcome Aunty Lauraine Barlow - Cultural Steward and Research Advisor

Last week, the Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability team welcomed Aunty Lauraine Barlow to the position of Cultural Steward and Research Advisor.

Aunty Lauraine Barlow is a decendent of Mandingalpa Clan, Yidiny tribe and Rimanggudinhma Clan, Lama Lama tribe in North Queensland. Her Aboriginal name is Jana-n Mandingalbay / Jigiddirri Jigiddirri, which means “standout willy wagtail”. Recently, she was honoured with a third name, Buligud, which means Grandmother.

Aunty Lauraine has experience of chronic illness and disability, both personally and in her family members. She has always participated in research, but as more than just a ‘subject’ of research. She is a community researcher, who takes control of the way in which research is conducted, so it remains respectful of her people and the land of her ancestors.

She promotes the use of art as a medium for sharing healing stories. She is a healer herself, and has completed her qualifications as a Health Worker, a telephone counsellor, a community health promotion consultant and peer leader of self-management courses. She has helped hundreds of Indigenous women with illness and disability to regain their strength and culture.

Aunty Lauraine has a long history with Griffith University, having first advised on a research project in 2003. Since that time, she has continued to support research projects and ensure that proper protocols are followed.

Images:

Aunty Lauraine Barlow, daughter Melanie together with Professor Elizabeth Kendall, Director, Inclusive Futures Reimagining Disability, Griffith University.