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Dr Tamara Butler is an Aboriginal early career post-doctoral researcher at Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, based in Brisbane (Meanjin). Her mob are the Undumbi people from the Sunshine Coast region in Queensland. She received her PhD in Psychology from the University of Queensland in 2017. Her thesis focused on social identity, intragroup dynamics, and support-seeking behaviour. Her current research focus is on improving cancer outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. She is working with ANU researcher A/Prof Lisa Whop on improving cervical cancer outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women through screening participation, HPV vaccination, and treatment.

The theme of Reconciliation Week 2021 is “More than a word. Reconciliation takes action”. In my talk I will provide some examples of how research can provide a platform for progress toward reconciliation in Australia. I will discuss how my team uses Indigenous and decolonising research design, approaches, and methodologies across research topics such as: understanding health and wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and eliminating cervical cancer for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women through HPV vaccination and cervical screening. I hope to encourage us all as researchers to critically reflect on how research can contribute to achieving health and social equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.