Initiatives in Indigenous Research

What is research?

It has often been asserted that much of the research undertaken in the area of Indigenous health has not led to improvements in health outcomes for Indigenous Australians. Evidence suggests that one reason for this is a lack of ethical research practice. Students will examine research projects which have directly and meaningfully engaged Indigenous people and communities appropriately. What research processes have worked well to make real changes in Indigenous health?

Research and Indigenous Peoples

The experience of research..

A history of exploitation and unequal power relations Researchers have provided justification of the exploitation of colonised peoples by developing and promoting classifications of humanity The word research is probably one of the dirtiest words in the indigenous worlds vocabulary
Smith, L. T (1999) Decolonizing Methodologies: Research and Indigenous Peoples, University of Otago Press, Dunedin, p. 1.

Im telling you about myself. You dont even bother telling me about yourself, you just wanted to know about myself. I dont think its fair, I would like to know about your parents and I would like to know about other things. I am an old man now and I am curious. Akuliaq, Inuit Elder 1967

On Methodologies
Some

Indigenous communities take issue with research that:

methodologies regard the values and beliefs, practices and customs of communities as barriers to research or as exotic customs which researchers need to be familiar with in order to carry out their work without causing offence
Smith, L. T (1999) Decolonizing Methodologies: Research and Indigenous Peoples, University of Otago Press, Dunedin, p.15.

Doesnt adhere to community protocol Breaches confidentiality of informants Uses information in a way that the community / informants have not consented to That gives nothing back to the community That doesnt acknowledge community input

Research ethics and protocols

Fundamental principles of AIATSIS Founded on respect for Indigenous peoples inherent right to self-determination, and to control and maintain their culture and heritage Informed consent Research will be of benefit to the community Recognition of Indigenous cultural and intellectual property rights Appropriate use of research results as agreed with the community.

The Human Genome Project

Based on the idea that the human species could be represented by something called the human genome When scientists recognised that there were many groups of people whose genes were not documented, they proposed a worldwide survey of human genetic diversity

Opposing Human Genome Research

The

A sample of opinions..

many groups not represented were Indigenous Indigenous groups worldwide took issue with the project citing a range of problems with the project In 1993, World Congress of Indigenous Peoples named the project The Vampire Project

'The Human Genome Diversity ('Vampire') Project is legalised theft' (Central Australian Aboriginal Congress). 'We demand an immediate moratorium on collections and/or patenting of genetic materials from Indigenous persons and communities by any scientific project...or individual researcher.' (Declaration of the Indigenous Peoples of the Western Hemisphere Regarding the HGDP, February 1995) 'Commercialisation of any traditional plants and medicines of Indigenous Peoples must be managed by the indigenous peoples who have inherited such knowledge.' (Mataatua Declaration on Cultural and Intellectual Property Rights of Indigenous Peoples, June 1993)

Supporting research. Indigenous people support research which:

A case study: Participatory Action Research

de

Is relevant Assists communities to develop community based solutions Establishes partnerships and equitable outcomes for participants and researchers Enables the sharing of information in ways that recognise Indigenous concerns about knowledge ownership and respects the way knowledge is transferred to Indigenous peoples Privileges Indigenous frameworks and knowledges

Crespigney, C., Kowanko, I., Murray, H., Wilson, S., Ah Kit, J., and Mills, D. (2006) A Nursing partnership for better outcomes in Aboriginal mental health, including substance use, Contemporary Nurse, Vol 22, (2), 275-287.

According to Williams, Empowerment and self-determination are basic Aboriginal aspirations. Participatory action research creates opportunities for these aspirations to be met. Fundamental to participatory action research is control and ownership over the process by those who are its focus (2001: 13). Like quality nursing care, we see participatory action research as highly interactive, collaborative, respectful, and an action-oriented method of research (de Crespigney et al., 2006, 279).

As researchers, nurses, and educators, we continue to work with communities beyond the project in a number of distinct ways through:
Advocacy Collaboration Education
.

Charlotte de Crespigny et al. FIGURE 1: CONCEPTUAL MODEL FOR ETHICAL ABORIGINAL HEALTH RESEARCH Source: Kowanko et al. 2003: 31

de Crespigney, C., Kowanko, I., Murray, H., Wislon, S., Ah Kit, J., and Mills, D. (2006) A Nursing partnership for better outcomes in Aboriginal mental health, including substance use, Contemporary Nurse, Vol 22, (2), 275-287

Conclusion

Continued..

Health research is more likely to contribute to improved health if it is used. Repositioning of Indigenous people from being passive subjects of research to having control over, and involvement throughout the research process. Need for strong and effective collaborative partnerships between Indigenous and nonIndigenous researchers and research users.

Research institutions involved in Indigenous health research need to focus on identifying key knowledge gaps so that research is relevant to Indigenous needs . Provide research findings in a user friendly format. Health researchers need to think beyond the project to the policy processes and uptake issues around their project.
Mathews, S., et al. (2002) Indigenous Reform Agenda: Promoting the use of health research, Cooperative Research Centre for Aboriginal and Tropical Health, Casuarina, NT.