Decolonising research: a shift toward reconciliation

Area of Science:

• Indigenous Studies
• Research Ethics
• Sociology

Background:

• Growing global awareness of Indigenous cultural differences has not translated into influence on research agendas.
• Self-determination and reconciliation policies are increasingly relevant to research practices.
• Indigenous communities express cynicism and suspicion towards traditional Western research methods due to historical exploitation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the colonizing effects of traditional research methodologies.
• To introduce and advocate for decolonizing research approaches.
• To highlight the congruence of decolonizing methods with Indigenous epistemology and values.

Main Methods:

• Critical analysis of traditional research characteristics and their colonial impacts.
• Exploration of decolonizing research methodologies.
• Examination of ethical guidelines for Indigenous health research as an example of a decolonizing paradigm.

Main Results:

• Traditional research methods often embody a colonial mentality and positional superiority.
• Decolonizing research methodology aligns with Indigenous worldviews and priorities.
• Ethical guidelines developed by Indigenous organizations and research councils offer a decolonizing framework.

Conclusions:

• Decolonizing research is essential to address historical inequities and foster genuine collaboration.
• Indigenous epistemology and self-determination must guide research agendas and practices.
• Adoption of decolonizing methodologies respects Indigenous rights and promotes equitable research outcomes.