Why you should be part of the MK Study
Yiradhu marang (good day)!
Last year I made a decision to be part of the Mayi Kuwayu (pronounced My-Q-Y) Study and to be an Ambassador, because I want to have a say in what culture means to me as a Wiradjuri woman, and to assist in creating an understanding of how culture affects wellbeing including health outcomes. And if you follow me on social media you’ll know that I am all about #livingthebestlifeican
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities have been saying for a long time that strong culture is vital to health and wellbeing. However, there is a lack of evidence that shows how and why this may be so. The Mayi Kuwayu Study, which is taking place nationally in Australia, across urban, regional and remote communities, aims to provide this evidence. The MK Study has been created by and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It is not associated with any government agency or department.
Mayi Kuwayu is Ngiyampaa language that means “To follow Aboriginal people over a long time”, which lends itself to the longitudinal nature of the study. Over the course of the study, it is hoped that over 200,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander will complete the survey. I’ve completed mine!
The survey is online via the Mayi Kuwayu website, mkstudy.com.au or participants can contact the Mayi Kuwayu Study team on 1800 531 600 freecall, or email mkstudy@anu.edu.au to request a paper survey. Any Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person over 16 years of age can complete the survey.
Why you should get involved
I think you should get involved in the MK Study because this is an important opportunity to contribute to a better understanding of how culture links to our health and wellbeing. Your stories will help tell the data story of what our mobs have been saying for thousands of years; that culture is fundamental to our health and wellbeing. Your voices and those before us will be heard and valued.
The MK Study outcomes will inform policy, guide programs and shed light on the important connection between culture and health and wellbeing outcomes.
Important to note:
I am not part of the MK Study team, but the team recognises that some questions in the survey may be upsetting. They apologise for this. Every question has been included to find out how what has happened in the past affects us now, as we believe this is important.
It is your choice to take part. You need only answer the questions you feel you can answer. You don’t have to complete every question.
The Study is bound by strict privacy laws and no information will be reported in a way that will allow you, your household or your community to be identified.
