Cultural Competence: Facilitating Indigenous Voices Within Health Promotion Competencies

Abstract

Indigenous voices must inform health promotion strategies aiming to address significant and persistent Indigenous health inequities. Consequently, Indigenous knowledge and practice must inform capacity development tools such as health promotion competencies. To ensure Indigenous voices are heard, culturally appropriate consultations must be undertaken. This article analyzes the consultation process undertaken to develop the 2012 Aotearoa/New Zealand health promotion competency framework. Analysis was undertaken to identify aspects within the consultation process that facilitated participation by Māori, the Indigenous peoples of Aotearoa/New Zealand. This qualitative research study was undertaken with health promotion practitioners involved in the consultation process; data were obtained from individual semistructured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings demonstrate that using culturally appropriate consultative approaches, and integrating Māori values within the consultation process, resulted in a culturally competent framework. Findings can inform future consultation processes undertaken with Māori alongside Indigenous populations and culturally diverse populations globally.