Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-based research research centers on engaged, respectful investigations that prioritize Indigenous voices and knowledge systems. This field addresses key social determinants of health and cultural contexts within Indigenous communities, contributing essential insights to the broader INDIGENOUS STUDIES category. JoVE Visualize pairs relevant PubMed articles with JoVE experiment videos, enriching researchers’ and students’ understanding of the innovative methods and impactful findings shaping this important area of study.
Key Methods & Emerging Trends
Core Indigenous Research Methodologies
Established indigenous research methodologies emphasize community participation, cultural respect, and relational accountability. Methods such as Yarning facilitate open storytelling and dialogue, enabling a culturally grounded, decolonised approach to qualitative data collection. These methodologies often incorporate the five key elements of Aboriginal culture—including connection to land, kinship, and storytelling—to create ethical, respectful research environments that honor Indigenous worldviews while addressing social health determinants.
Emerging and Innovative Approaches
Emerging trends within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-based research include novel decolonizing methodologies that focus on transformative praxis and co-designed studies. Researchers increasingly explore digital storytelling and participatory action research to foster empowerment and self-determination. Integrating indigenous epistemologies with advanced qualitative techniques supports the development of innovative frameworks that better define decolonised research and enable more authentic community engagement and healing.

