Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research
If you’re likely to engage with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, knowledges or cultures while conducting research, it is essential to understand your responsibilities and obligations. Your research is required to be safe, respectful, and conducted with a fair and mutual cultural exchange.ÌýÌý
The resources, guidelines and protocols linked below will provide information about how you can conduct your research in this way. They outline key considerations, and highlight some policies, companies, and examples of best practice you can use to inform your research.ÌýÌý
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Principles and guides
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 ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥n Indigenous StudiesÌý(GERAIS). All references to GERAIS in ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥n research codes and guidance should be taken to refer to this Code.
°Õ³ó±ðÌýÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥n 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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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 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait IslanderÌýtraditional knowledge and cultural expressions are imperfectly reflected in ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥n 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 ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥n 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.
- ÌýÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ Council for the Arts.
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Indigenous Data Sovereignty
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Indigenous Data Sovereignty is the right of Indigenous peoples across the globe to govern the collection, ownership and application of their data. This link explores the foundations of this movement, methodologies, and implications.Ìý -
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This link provides information, videos and presentations about Indigenous Data Sovereignty from the 2019 National Indigenous Research Conference, compiled by AIATSIS.Ìý -
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The CARE Principles are a global standard that provide further structure regarding the rights of Indigenous peoples when they are involved in research.ÌýÌý
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research Methodologies
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(USYD)
Many traditional research methodologies represent the principles and values of dominant culture. This link explores other research methodologies that may be more applicable when working with diverse cohorts.Ìý -
This link guides you through various alternate methodologies and methods, with examples from across AotearoaÌýand ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥.Ìý
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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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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 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.
Wirltu Yarlu
Information regarding the services offered by Wirltu YarluÌýÌý
Research Services
Provides advice and support for ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ researchers and their sponsors
ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ scholarships open to Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander researchers
Contact
withÌýyour Liaison LibrarianÌýor send an email for more information.