By definition, a research methodology is an overarching framework that informs all areas of a research project including the methods chosen to conduct the research (Evans, Gruba, & Zobel, 2011). Indigenous Research Methodologies then, more specifically, describe a range of principles and values developed by Indigenous peoples themselves in response to their own unique epistemologies (ways of being), ontologies (ways of thinking) and axiologies (ways of doing). Indigenous Research Methodologies, can be utilised by Indigenous researchers or by non-Indigenous researchers working with Indigenous knowledges. A key scholar in this area is Lester-Irabinna Rigney (1999) who developed a framework for “Indigenist” research methodologies building on the work of Martin Nakata (1998) who explored the concept of an Indigenous standpoint in research. 

References:

• Evans, David, Paula Gruba, & Justin Zobel. (2011). How to Write a Better Thesis. Melbourne University Press, Melbourne. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-04286-2
  
  
• Nakata, Martin. (1998). Anthropological texts and Indigenous standpoints. Australian Aboriginal Studies 2(2), 3–12.
  
  
• Rigney, Lester-Irabinna. (1999). Internationalization of an Indigenous Anticolonial Cultural Critique of Research Methodologies: A Guide to Indigenist Research Methodology and Its Principles. Wicazo Sa Review, 14(2), 109–121. https://doi.org/10.2307/1409555
  
  
  

PEOPLE AND IDEAS

TEXTS

• Behrendt, Larissa. ‘Indigenous Storey: Decolonizing Institutions and Assertive Self-Determination: Implications for Legal Practice,’ in Decolonizing Research: Indigenous Storywork as Methodology edited by Joanne Archibald, Q. Q. Xiiem, J. B. J. Lee-Morgan & De Santolo. London: The Foundary, 2019: 175-186.
  
  
  
• Ford, Payi Linda, Linda Barwick, and Allan Marett. “Mirrwana and Wurrkama: Applying an Indigenous Knowledge Framework to Collaborative Research on Ceremonies,” In Mirrwana and Wurrkama: Applying an Indigenous Knowledge Framework to Collaborative Research on Ceremonies, edited by Katelyn Barney. Melbourne: Lyrebird Press, 2014: 43-62.
  
  
• Foster, Shannon, and Amanda Harris. “Informing Practice through Collaboration: Listening to Colonising Histories and Aboriginal Music.” In Creative Research in Music: Informed Practice, Innovation and Transcendence. Edited by Anna Reid, Neal Peres Da Costa, and Jeanell Carrigan. Routledge, 2020. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429278426.
  
  
  
• Martin, Karen, and Booran Mirraboopa. “Ways of Knowing, Being and Doing: A Theoretical Framework and Methods for Indigenous and Indigenist Re-Search.” Journal of Australian studies 27, no. 76 (2003): 203–214. https://doi.org/10.5130/csr.v21i1.4420

• Moreton-Robinson, Aileen. ‘Relationality: A Key Presupposition of an Indigenous Social Research Paradigm,’ in Sources and Methods in Indigenous Studies edited by Chris Andersen and Jean O’Brien. London: Routledge, 2017: 69-77.
  
  
  
• Ninnes, Peter. “Representations of Indigenous Knowledges in Secondary School Science Textbooks in Australia and Canada.” International journal of science education 22, no. 6 (2000): 603–617. https://doi.org/10.1080/095006900289697
  
  
  

• Patrick, Wanta Steve Jampijinpa. “‘Pulya-Ranyi’: Winds of Change.” Cultural studies review 21, no. 1 (2015): 121–131. https://doi.org/10.5130/csr.v21i1.4420
  
  
  

• Riley, Lynette ‘Community-Led Research through an Aboriginal Lens,’ in Community-Led Research: Walking New Pathways Together edited by Victoria Rawlings, James Flexner and Lynette Riley. Sydney: Sydney University Press, 2021: 9-38.
  
  
  
• Yunupingu, Mandawuy. “Yothu Yindi: Finding Balance.” Race & Class 35, no. 4 (April 1994): 113–20. https://doi.org/10.1177/030639689403500412
  
  
  

AUDIO

VIDEO

Ngara was collaboratively created by Shannon Foster, Jo Kinniburgh (partners at Bangawarra), Amanda Harris, Christopher Coady and Laura Case.

Filming and video editing by Cornel Ozies, Iman Irannejad, additional video recording by Jodie Kell, additional video editing by Jade Guadalupe. 

Original artwork by Shannon Foster.

Thanks to all participants: Rhiannon Brownbill, Chloe Ngelebe Ford, Emily Tyaemaen Ford, Payi Linda Ford, Shannon Foster, Amanda Harris, Eden Tjunggalamuriny Harkins-Ford, Jo Kinniburgh, Matte McConnell, Nathan Mudyi Sentance, Nardi Simpson, and Jacinta Tobin.

This resource was funded by One Sydney, Many People Project Funding from the University of Sydney’s Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous Strategy and Services.