Infuse Issue 12 November 2020 | Page 37

There ’ s about 30 dietitians who are registered with DA who identify as a First Nations Person of Australia . Some more are students , some are retired , but about 20 are registered as APDs . You know , when I was young , I grew up in a small town , and going to university wasn ' t something that I was encouraged to do . So I think the key takeaway is to open up the conversation with our students to let them know that this opportunity is there , and they can do it , and there are support mechanisms in place . That the impact they can have on their communities is really amazing . So as dietitians , go along to your universities , talk to Indigenous service units there , and schools in your community – ask about their careers days and perhaps think of it as a kind of cross-cultural communication , where you ’ re supporting both . Also show that you are working to provide a culturally safe and appropriate and inviting learning environment as a dietitian too .
And how can we best do that Tracy ?
Well , I ’ m no expert , I can only speak from my own lived experience as a light skinned Aboriginal woman and the privilege that provides . There are lots and lots of resources people can access . So I ' m on Dietitian Australia ' s Reconciliation Action Plan working group , as well as their Indigenous Nutrition Interest Group Leadership Team , and together have worked to put together some cultural safety online training options for people to access , to develop their own understanding and cultural capabilities . Also , be a voice . As dietitians and nutritionists , we work in so many different areas . We ' ve got so many opportunities to influence positive change on so many levels .
What would be your advice then to Indigenous students or younger dietitians just beginning their studies or starting their career in dietetics ?
For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students , I would say , have a mentor , access your Indigenous services unit , utilise all the support that is available . You can access external tutoring if you need to and lean on your peers . And for students in general , I think one of the biggest things I would probably recommend would be to start doing your networking , even while you ' re at university . Start doing your informal job search . I know that when I joined up with Indigenous Allied Health Association I stepped out of my comfort zone and worked hard at developing connections and demonstrating my work ethic , passion and commitment . I believe this assisted securing my first job . So establishing those relationships and then demonstrating your value and your values throughout , I think is really important .
That ’ s my number one tip too , networking . So important . Tracy , it has been an absolute pleasure hearing about your passion and the work you ’ re doing with First Nations people .
You can hear more of Tracy ’ s story on the Dietitian Connection podcast , available now .
LEARN MORE : https :// www . wattleseednutrition . com /
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© Dietitian Connection 37 Infuse | November 2020