Indigenous research - the right way
Ethical and responsible practice is essential in all research that involves or impacts Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people. It helps ensure your research is safe, respectful, and conducted in fair and mutual cultural exchange.
The resources linked below provide information about the principles and protocols you will need to understand and apply before, during, and after your research.
Get an overview
Indigenous Research
Information regarding Indigenous research at the ³ÉÈË´óƬ
Research Services
Provides advice and support for University researchers and their sponsors
University scholarships open to Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander researchers
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Principles and guides to ethical Indigenous Australian research
All research that concerns or impacts Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples must comply with these codes of ethicsÌýand any relevant sector specific codes or guides.
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In OctoberÌý2020 AIATSIS published theÌýCode of Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research. This document supersedes and replaces theÌýGuidelines for Ethical Research in Australian Indigenous StudiesÌý(GERAIS). All references to GERAIS in Australian research codes and guidance should be taken to refer to this Code.
°Õ³ó±ðÌýAustralian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research, 2018Ìý(the 2018 Code) establishes a framework for responsible research conduct that provides a foundation for high-quality research, credibility and community trust in the research endeavour. Ìý
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°Õ³ó±ðÌýNational Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007)Ìý(National Statement (2007) consists of a series of guidelines made in accordance with theÌýNational Health and Medical Research Council Act 1992.Ìý
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A direct link to the AIATSIS Ethical Research webpage with further information about the guidelines, the application framework, forms and templates, committee meeting dates and FAQ.
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Homepage for AIATSIS Research including current projects, research publications, and guides and resources.
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National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)
NHMRC create pathways to a healthier future through theirÌýresearch funding, health guidelines and the ethical standards theyÌýset and uphold.
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Guidelines for researchers and stakeholders which provideÌýa set of principles to ensure research is safe, respectful, responsible, high quality and of benefit to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.
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A companion guideline that provides advice on how these values and principles can be put into practice in research. Further information and resources are available on theÌý.
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Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property (ICIP)
ICIP is an internationally-recognised term for the right of Indigenous peoples to decideÌýhowÌýtheir cultural heritage, traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions may be depicted, andÌýwhoÌýhas permission to do this. It is based on the principles of self-determination and free, prior and informed consent.
Rights in Indigenous traditional knowledge and cultural expressions are imperfectly reflected in Australian law, but must be respected. ICIP ensures that all participants in research projects are aware of the inclusive nature of Indigenous traditional knowledge and cultural expressions, as well as intellectual property.
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These principles were created by Dr Terri Janke to apply to projects that work with Indigenous people and communities and offer an outline for working with Indigenous peoples to protect ICIP.
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Report on Australian Indigenous cultural and intellectual property rights. *This report was written in 1999 and many of the laws that are referred to have changed.
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In this video Damien Webb talks about the importance of recognising the right of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to determine the use and access provisions for collection materials that reflect their own history, culture, language and traditions, and the responsibilities that we have as custodians of that knowledge within the library.
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Mataatua Declaration on Cultural and Intellectual Property Rights of Indigenous People, 1993.
- ÌýAustralia Council for the Arts.
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Further resources and examples
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The library'sÌýÌýare self-help guides available to help build information skills such as referencing, searching effectively, and findingÌýand analysing resources forÌýspecific subject areas. There is also a guide that assists withÌýfinding and accessing .
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A video which includes the slide presentation by School of Education Director of Indigenous Learning, Michael Colbung.
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A selection of videos from students and researchers speaking about their experiences with research protocols and approaches to research projects when working and engaging specifically with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.
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Indigenous Research
In line with the recommendations and initiatives of the Tarrkarri Tirrka (Future Learning), the ³ÉÈË´óƬ Integrated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Strategy, the University is committed to increasing the number of Indigenous researchers and research students.
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Contact
withÌýyour Liaison LibrarianÌýor send an email for more information.