Open AccessReflections on 'Aboriginalising' the Research Process
Author(s) -
Marlene Burchill,
Phyllis Lau,
Priscilla Pyett,
Steve Kelly,
Peter WaplesCrowe,
SiawTeng Liaw
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
international journal of critical indigenous studies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1837-0144
DOI - 10.5204/ijcis.v4i2.62
Subject(s) - general partnership , multidisciplinary approach , scholarship , process (computing) , engineering ethics , sociology , set (abstract data type) , phase (matter) , public relations , political science , engineering , social science , computer science , law , programming language , operating system , chemistry , organic chemistry
This article describes the way a multidisciplinary research team set about 'Aboriginalising' their research processes in the initial phase of a project that aimed to develop a culturally appropriate model of care for urban Aboriginal people with diabetes. Although academic conventions and protocols tended to dominate, the project incorporated the innovative approach that the Aboriginal researchers brought to the process of recruiting and facilitating focus groups, which they likened to 'hunting and gathering'. In developing and strengthening partnerships between research institutions and Aboriginal communities, it is important that Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal researchers challenge the conventional academic models of research in ways that are culturally appropriate and informed by Aboriginal scholarship. This article illustrates the difficulties and challenges on both sides of the partnership. It concludes by outlining the key principles learnt during the first phase of the project.