Jaki Adams – Allyship at scale
How do you respond if a patient says something problematic or inappropriate? What happens if someone's needs are different from the service you're offering?
In Episode 4, Cameron speaks with Jaki Adams, Director of Social Justice and Regional Engagement at the Fred Hollows Foundation. They talk about allyship, the history of the Fred Hollows Foundation, its involvement in First Nations health and Jaki's amazing career. They explore the importance of the type of language physios use with patients. Also, the first poem ever read on The Deadly Physios!
Warning
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander listeners are warned that the following episode may contain the names and voices of people who are deceased.
GET TO KNOW OUR INTERVIEWEE
A bit about Dr Jaki Adams, Director Social Justice and Regional Engagement, The Fred Hollows Foundation
Jaki was born and raised in Garamilla (Darwin) on the beautiful lands of Larrakia Nation. Jaki is a proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, with ancestral links to the Yadhaigana and Wuthathi Peoples of Cape York Peninsula in Queensland, traditional family ties with the Gurindji Peoples of Central Western Northern Territory and extended family relationships with the people of the Torres Straits and Warlpiri (Yuendumu NT).
Jaki's professional journey includes Hospitality; Secondary Teaching; and, over 18 years in the Australian Government spanning a variety of portfolios, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Aged Care programs, and some 8 years within the Australian Department of Defence. Jaki joined The Fred Hollows Foundation in April 2012 and has held key leadership roles, including Country Manager of the Indigenous Australia Program (2012-2017) and Regional Programming Director roles (2017 - 2020) encompassing program implementation across Australia, Pacific (Trachoma and funding through FHFNZ), Timor Leste, Philippines, and Indonesia. In 2023 Jaki is leading the Social Justice and Regional Engagement Team within the Office of the CEO, with a focus on health equity, elevating the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and allyship accountability.
Jaki has a personal and professional commitment to do whatever she can to improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are leading decision making, and also advocating for the right to sight, good health and self-determination for Indigenous Peoples globally.
Country (from): Ancestral links to the Yadhaigana and Wuthathi Peoples of Cape York Peninsula in Queensland, traditional family ties with the Gurindji Peoples of Central Western Northern Territory and extended family relationships with the people of the Torres Straits and Warlpiri (Yuendumu NT).
Country (currently living): Garamilla (Darwin) on the lands of Larrakia Nation.
We would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the many lands across Australia and pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging. We recognise their enduring connection to the lands and waterways of this country and thank them for protecting and maintaining this country for us and future generations.