Indigenous rights-based approaches to decolonising research methodologies in settler colonial contexts

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Indigenous Studies
• Research Ethics

Background:

• Indigenous knowledge and perspectives are often misrepresented in settler colonial states, particularly within academic research.
• Non-Indigenous researchers frequently conduct studies without adequate collaboration or guidance from Indigenous experts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the Indigenous rights-based approach (IRBA) as a method for decolonizing research methodologies.
• To analyze the application and outcomes of IRBA in the Australian context through a case study.

Main Methods:

• An Aboriginal Australian higher education expert collaborated with 17 subject experts (1 Aboriginal, 16 non-Aboriginal).
• The dyadic relationship focused on developing knowledge and skills to implement IRBA in research.
• Similarities and differences in IRBA application across various disciplines were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Five key aspects emerged during IRBA implementation: Indigenous People as Data, Protocols of Engagement, Privileging Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Community Benefit, and Tackling Doctoral Research Training.
• IRBA facilitates ethical, relevant, and significant research with Indigenous Peoples.
• The approach contributes to place-based reconciliation and Indigenous community empowerment.

Conclusions:

• IRBA is crucial for decolonizing research in settler colonial contexts like Australia.
• Implementing IRBA requires universities to employ Indigenous higher education experts for professional development.
• A fundamental shift in research conceptualization, conduct, and dissemination is necessary.