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Background:Experiences of aphasia are shaped by culture. Therefore, to provide appropriate services for people with aphasia (PWA), speech-language therapists (SLTs) must understand aphasia from their potential clients’ cultural perspective. Aims:This study aimed to describe and interpret the experiences of Māori with aphasia and their whānau (extended family), to inform service delivery for this population. Methods & Procedures:This study is kaupapa Māori research (KMR), an Indigenous research approach that privileges Māori culture and knowledge. A qualitative methodology, interpretive description (ID), was incorporated to produce clinically relevant findings that will benefit SLTs and Māori. In-depth interviews were undertaken with 11 Māori with aphasia and their nominated whānau members. Participants spoke about aphasia-related changes in relationships, health, spirituality, activities and family and community roles. Analysis was informed by interpretive description (ID) and kaupapa Māori. Outcomes & Results:Participants described a range of positive and negative experiences of aphasia. These developed into two pairs of themes: (1) “Grieving for what is lost” and “Recognising what we have got” (2) “It is hard” and “Choosing how to respond”. Conclusions:Aphasia can have a profound effect on Māori families and bring many changes in family roles and relationships. Despite difficulties, whānau can actively manage their situation, and enable the person with aphasia to participate in the whānau and community. The findings of this study will inform clinical practice and provide the basis for the development of resources for use in speech-language therapy services for Māori with aphasia and their whānau. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]