Indigenous methodologies research encompass research frameworks and approaches that prioritize Indigenous worldviews, knowledge systems, and cultural protocols. This field is essential for conducting respectful, relevant research that supports Indigenous communities and scholarship. Situated within Indigenous Studies, Indigenous methodologies explore diverse epistemologies and ethical engagements across global Indigenous contexts. JoVE Visualize enriches the learning experience by pairing relevant PubMed articles with JoVE’s experiment videos, helping researchers and students grasp complex methods and key findings in this evolving discipline.
Key Methods & Emerging Trends
Established Methods in Indigenous Research
Core Indigenous methodologies often include community-based participatory research, storytelling, yarning circles, and relational ethics that emphasize respect, reciprocity, and collective knowledge sharing. These approaches prioritize Indigenous voices and lived experiences, ensuring research aligns with cultural values and governance. Widely discussed in literature such as Indigenous methodologies: characteristics, conversations, and contexts, these methods provide the foundation for authentic and collaborative inquiry across diverse settings.
Innovative and Emerging Approaches
Emerging Indigenous research methods increasingly integrate digital storytelling, multimedia engagement, and interdisciplinary collaborations that expand traditional boundaries. Innovative frameworks like ‘Emerging from the margins: Indigenous methodologies’ highlight new ways of centering Indigenous knowledge within contemporary scholarship. Current trends also focus on decolonizing methodologies through reflexive practice and incorporating Indigenous psychologies, offering fresh perspectives on health, identity, and epistemic sovereignty.

