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Guidelines embody ‘best standards’ for Indigenous Research
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| Photo: Professor Mick Dodson AM, Chairperson of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS), who officially launched the Institute’s Guidelines for Ethical Research in Australian Indigenous Studies at a special ceremony in Canberra. (Photo: National Indigenous Times) |
Thursday 7 March 2013
“Indigenous people are also researchers, and all participants must be regarded as equal participants in a research engagement.”
These were the passionate words of Professor Mick Dodson AM, Chairperson of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS), who officially launched the Institute’s Guidelines for Ethical Research in Australian Indigenous Studies at a special ceremony in Canberra tonight.
The Guidelines, developed by AIATSIS for its researchers, embodies the best standards of ethical research and human rights.
Professor Dodson said that while the Guidelines, first released in 2000, have been revised to reflect developments in critical areas that have emerged since the previous edition - the main principle still remains.
“That of respect for Indigenous peoples’ inherent right to self-determination, and to control and maintain their culture and heritage.”
“Crucially, our Guidelines note that it is essential that Indigenous peoples be participants in any research project that concerns them.”
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples must share an understanding of the aims and methods of the research, and sharing the results of this work.”
“At every stage, research with and about Indigenous peoples must be founded on a process of meaningful engagement and reciprocity between the researcher and Indigenous people,” he said.
“It should also be recognised that there is no sharp distinction between researchers and Indigenous people.”
The updated version includes changes to intellectual property laws, and rights in traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions, and the establishment of agreements and protocols between Indigenous people and researchers.
It also takes into account emerging developments in digitisation, and data and information management, and the very significant impacts this has on research and other aspects of Indigenous studies.
The Guidelines comprise fourteen principles grouped under the broad categories of rights, respect and recognition; negotiation, consultation, agreement and mutual understanding; participation, collaboration and partnership; benefits, outcomes and giving back; managing research: use, storage and access; and reporting and compliance.
“This publication not only to commits AIATSIS researchers to a set of guidelines and research conduct, but we also recognise that we have a requirement – moreover a responsibility - as a leading institution in Australian Indigenous studies to inform all research in this area,” he concluded.
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