Tammy McGrath shares how she’s found her calling providing cultural guidance and education to colleagues and communities on safe cultural practices when working with the Aboriginal communities at end of life.

Tammy McGrath is a proud Wongatha, Ngadju, Mirning, Yamitji, Woman from the Goldfields of Western Australia, and describes her job as being “an advocate, mentor and connector”.

Her official title, Coordinator of Aboriginal Health Workers with the Palliative Care Program at WA Country Health Service, sees her guide and educate healthcare workers around the state in end of life care for Aboriginal communities.

She says there’s nothing better than being able to help someone return to Country and be cared for well at the end of their life - “It’s definitely my calling.”

The importance of safe cultural practices in palliative care

Having people in the team who are aware of culturally safe practices can “help alleviate some of the barriers, anxiety and intergenerational trauma,” says Tammy.

It also assists palliative care teams to do their job in an extraordinary way. “It helps them have more understanding, to have empathy and compassion to realise that although the way things are done in palliative care might feel like the norm to them, it’s not the norm for an Aboriginal person,” says Tammy.

“It’s about communication and connection, and knowing the timing of when and when not to do things.”

Tammy says the the difference this makes to individuals is enormous, and the flow-on effects are even more important. “To finally be heard and respected, and to know they’re considered can make a huge difference. When somebody has their spiritual and cultural connections honoured then word of mouth spreads throughout the community.”

As well as being part of establishing and conducting this liaison role, Tammy has also consulted and helped develop the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Caring@Home program, and the development and roll-out of the Going Home to Dreamtime brochure and other culturally appropriate resources.

“I love meeting the beautiful people that are on Country and are so humble,” Tammy says. “The journey to walk alongside them can be so beautiful – and when you’ve done right by them, the connection you’ve made with that community will forever be there.”

How to provide culturally safe palliative care for Indigenous communities

When working with other healthcare workers to share information and guidance on working with Aboriginal people and communities, Tammy says it’s all about getting back to the basics of providing good care.

“It’s about authenticity: you have to be true to yourself and be real. Don’t be scared, just ask the question and let them know you don’t know if what you say or do will offend them and ask them to guide you. It’s a shared learning,” she says.

“I’m one Aboriginal person out of so many tribes, so I don’t know it all, but I listen to so many elders and community members to take that into consideration when I’m working with other Aboriginal colleagues.”

She adds that this is similar to the skills used in delivering palliative care to anyone from any cultural background. “Every person’s journey is different and we tailor the care to individuals, so we need to do the same for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Just be open and willing to listen – don’t over complicate it.”

While there are red tape style challenges that many palliative care workers may relate to, Tammy says this is rewarding work that has taught her a lot about life.

“We have so much to be grateful for,” says Tammy. “We get so caught up in technology, work, getting to the next meeting or thinking about financial things. But what’s true to people is family and Country, and if you have those two things then everyone is happy.”