Knowing our Boundaries: the Many Roles Expected of Indigenous Community Health Workers

In recent years in Aotearoa/New Zealand, the Maori mental health worker has been emerging as a key figure within multidisciplinary teams which work in the assessment, treatment, & support of Maori people who experience mental illness. However, there is an inherent conflict for mental health workers who must decide to whom they are ultimately responsible – the government or to the Maori people. This presentation discussed the problems this unclarity of role can create. It is argued many aspects of this experience are universal & can be applied to community level work, indigenous or otherwise.