Yarning as an Interview Method for Non-Indigenous Clinicians and Health Researchers

Abstract

In this article, we discuss the origins, epistemology, and forms of Yarning as derived from the literature, and its use in research and clinical contexts. Drawing on three Yarns, the article addresses the extent to which non-Indigenous researchers and clinicians rightfully use and adapt this information-gathering method, or alternatively, may engage in yet another form of what can be described as post-colonialist behavior. Furthermore, we argue that while non-Indigenous researchers can use Yarning as an interview technique, this does not necessarily mean they engage in Indigenous methodologies. As we note, respectfully interviewing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples can be a challenge for non-Indigenous researchers. The difficulties go beyond differences in language to reveal radically different expectations about how relationships shape information giving. Yarning as a method for addressing cross-cultural clinical and research differences goes some way to ameliorating these barriers, but also highlights the post-colonial tensions.

Bridging Indigenous and Western Methods in Social Science Research

“…• Yarning (Bessarab & Ng’andu, 2010; Byrne, McLellan, Willis, Curnow, Harvey, Brown et al, 2021; Fredericks, Adams, Finlay, Fletcher, Andy, Briggs et al, 2011; Kovach, 2021; Walker et al, 2014).…”

“…Wilson, 1998);• Sacred bundle (Anishnawbe Health Toronto, 2000b; Peltier, 2018);• Elders (Chiblow, 2020; Hanohano, 1999; Lavallée, 2009; Simpson, 2000; Stiegelbauer, 1996; D. D. Wilson & Restoule, 2010);• Two-eyed seeing (Bartlett, Marshall, & Marshall, 2012; Iwama et al, 2009; Martin, 2012; Reid, Eckert, Lane, Young, Hinch, Darimont et al, 2021);• Cultural Safety (Cameron et al, 2010; Koptie, 2009; Maar, Beaudin, Yeates, Boesch, Liu, Madjedi et al, 2019; McCleland, 2011);• Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession (Farnel, 2018; Mashford-Pringle & Pavagadhi, 2020; Schnarch, 2004); and• Yarning (Bessarab & Ng’andu, 2010; Byrne, McLellan, Willis, Curnow, Harvey, Brown et al, 2021; Fredericks, Adams, Finlay, Fletcher, Andy, Briggs et al, 2011; Kovach, 2021; Walker et al, 2014). …”

“Sewing Is Part of Our Tradition”: A Case Study of Sewing as a Strategy for Arts-Based Inquiry in Health Research With Inuit Women

“…This “method of discovering relations,” evident in the sewing sessions, reflects the centrality of relationships to the lives of many Indigenous Peoples ( Wilson, 2008 , p. 84), including Inuit. Relational, storytelling methodologies, then, such as sharing circles ( Waddell et al, 2020 ) or the use of yarning in interviews ( Byrne et al, 2021 ), are often used in Indigenous research contexts. The voicing of stories, described in the results, can also be situated within the decolonizing “project of storytelling,” wherein Smith (2012) states that “intrinsic in story telling is a focus on dialogue and conversations amongst ourselves as indigenous peoples, to ourselves and for ourselves” (p. 146).…”

‘The Drug Survey App’: a protocol for developing and validating an interactive population survey tool for drug use among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians

“…We will shape the brief intervention in the new Drug Survey App based on participant experiences of the Grog Survey App [ 12 ]. A Worimi (Indigenous Australian) clinician-researcher and an Anaiwan (Indigenous Australian) research assistant will conduct, face-to-face ‘yarning’ interviews [ 45 ] with staff (n = 10) and clients (n = 20) in an inpatient alcohol and other drug residential rehabilitation service in New South Wales, Australia. Yarning interviews are semi-structured interviews which encourage story-telling and relationship building between participants and interviewers to assist in collecting qualitative data on a research topic [ 45 ].…”

“…A Worimi (Indigenous Australian) clinician-researcher and an Anaiwan (Indigenous Australian) research assistant will conduct, face-to-face ‘yarning’ interviews [ 45 ] with staff (n = 10) and clients (n = 20) in an inpatient alcohol and other drug residential rehabilitation service in New South Wales, Australia. Yarning interviews are semi-structured interviews which encourage story-telling and relationship building between participants and interviewers to assist in collecting qualitative data on a research topic [ 45 ]. Participants will be shown the brief intervention in the Grog Survey App and then asked a series of questions about their experiences.…”