Better Safe Than Sorry: A Systematic Literature Review on Flood Preparedness Among Indigenous Peoples

Why should we prepare for a flood which might never happen? Uncertainty around potential future hazards significantly limits citizens’ disaster preparedness, as it influences decision-making and action-taking greatly. To bridge this knowledge–action gap, we developed a novel, no-regrets framework for sustainable flood preparedness under uncertainty, building on a systematic literature review (PRISMA method) and an integrative review of preparedness actions. The review of 364 articles revealed that while no-regrets principles are widely applied in climate policy and risk management, they are not tailored to personal preparedness. Our resulting framework defines clear no-regrets criteria for individual and household-level preparedness (robustness, flexibility, cost-effectiveness, co-benefits, and ease of implementation) and categorizes 80+ flood preparedness actions according to four levels of uncertainty, from unknown futures to imminent hazards. Notably, we found that long-term preparedness actions remain underutilized, psychological preparedness is largely absent, and existing guidance is biased toward physical risk reduction in high-income contexts. This framework offers a practical tool for practitioners, local authorities, and community groups to promote actionable, context-sensitive flood preparedness worldwide and can be adapted to other hazards in future work.

IntroductionIndigenous Peoples play a vital role in democratic systems; however, their political participation is often hindered by structural barriers, including limited access to fundamental infrastructure and services, lack of formal recognition of land rights, and systemic discrimination. Despite the growing global discourse on Indigenous Peoples’ political participation, a comprehensive synthesis of international trends remains limited. This study aims to systematically review Indigenous Peoples’ political participation and highlight key themes that shape their participation in governance and advocacy.MethodsA systematic literature review was conducted following the PRISMA framework, analyzing 15 peer-reviewed articles that examine Indigenous Peoples’ political participation across different regions. Thematic analysis was employed to identify recurring patterns and key themes that characterize Indigenous political participation.ResultsFive primary themes emerged from the analysis: (1) land rights and political participation, which highlights the link between territorial claims and political participation; (2) indigenous governance and state relations, examining how Indigenous communities interact with governmental structures; (3) gender, identity, and political participation, addressing the unique challenges faced by Indigenous women; (4) digital activism and Indigenous mobilization, exploring the role of technology in fostering advocacy; and (5) environmental governance and climate justice, connecting Indigenous rights to broader ecological concerns.DiscussionThe findings contribute to the existing knowledge base by bridging gaps in the literature and offering insights into the structural challenges and opportunities for Indigenous political participation. This study underscores the need for more inclusive decision-making processes that recognize Indigenous rights and advocate for equitable representation. Future research should further explore the intersection of Indigenous political agency with digital activism, gender dynamics, and climate justice to inform policy frameworks that support Indigenous self-determination.

<p>This study uses a systematic literature review to explore academic research at the intersection of accounting and Indigenous peoples, focusing on the Canadian context. We systematically identified 15 English-language, peer-reviewed articles published in the review period of 1979–2019. We conducted detailed content and thematic analysis of the articles. Overall, we noted that research in this area is based upon archival documents or reviews of prior literature rather than qualitative or survey research methods. We found that much of the research has been driven by a small network of scholars, focusing primarily on themes of governmentality, imperialism, and accountability and control. In addition, research on Indigenous peoples and accounting in Canada has slowed over the past decade, which is inconsistent with global trends. Based on the systematic literature review, we offer specific, actionable recommendations to support inquiry and inclusion in the area of accounting and Indigenous peoples to move both research and society forward toward reconciliation. Our detailed recommendations aim to advance our understanding of the relationship between accounting and Indigenous peoples, foster an understanding of accountability issues relevant to Indigenous peoples in the Canadian accounting context, enhance support for Indigenous peoples studying business and accounting, and encourage Indigenous peoples to consider careers in accounting.</p>

ABSTRACTThis study uses a systematic literature review to explore academic research at the intersection of accounting and Indigenous peoples, focusing on the Canadian context. We systematically identified 15 English‐language, peer‐reviewed articles published in the review period of 1979–2019. We conducted detailed content and thematic analysis of the articles. Overall, we noted that research in this area is based upon archival documents or reviews of prior literature rather than qualitative or survey research methods. We found that much of the research has been driven by a small network of scholars, focusing primarily on themes of governmentality, imperialism, and accountability and control. In addition, research on Indigenous peoples and accounting in Canada has slowed over the past decade, which is inconsistent with global trends. Based on the systematic literature review, we offer specific, actionable recommendations to support inquiry and inclusion in the area of accounting and Indigenous peoples to move both research and society forward toward reconciliation. Our detailed recommendations aim to advance our understanding of the relationship between accounting and Indigenous peoples, foster an understanding of accountability issues relevant to Indigenous peoples in the Canadian accounting context, enhance support for Indigenous peoples studying business and accounting, and encourage Indigenous peoples to consider careers in accounting.

<p>This study uses a systematic literature review to explore academic research at the intersection of accounting and Indigenous peoples, focusing on the Canadian context. We systematically identified 15 English-language, peer-reviewed articles published in the review period of 1979–2019. We conducted detailed content and thematic analysis of the articles. Overall, we noted that research in this area is based upon archival documents or reviews of prior literature rather than qualitative or survey research methods. We found that much of the research has been driven by a small network of scholars, focusing primarily on themes of governmentality, imperialism, and accountability and control. In addition, research on Indigenous peoples and accounting in Canada has slowed over the past decade, which is inconsistent with global trends. Based on the systematic literature review, we offer specific, actionable recommendations to support inquiry and inclusion in the area of accounting and Indigenous peoples to move both research and society forward toward reconciliation. Our detailed recommendations aim to advance our understanding of the relationship between accounting and Indigenous peoples, foster an understanding of accountability issues relevant to Indigenous peoples in the Canadian accounting context, enhance support for Indigenous peoples studying business and accounting, and encourage Indigenous peoples to consider careers in accounting.</p>

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death among Indigenous populations. Communication campaigns are an important component of cancer prevention and treatment. However, communication about cancer with Indigenous populations has yet to be fully explored and understood. In this systematic literature review, we examine peer-reviewed research to gain insight into the factors that contribute to effective communication about cancer with Indigenous populations. The review yielded a total of 7313 potential articles and a total of 25 of these manuscripts met the inclusion criteria. Results indicate five primary factors that may increase the effectiveness of communication about cancer with Indigenous populations. Factors include the need to (1) respect traditional knowledge, (2) use appropriate language, (3) involve community members in the communication process, (4) include people from different generations in message design, and (5) engender trust in health communicators. Results also provide insight into communication methods that contribute to effective cancer communication. We identify gaps in the literature and provide recommendations for future cancer communication strategies and research with Indigenous populations.

Culturally safe health care services contribute to improved health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in Australia. Yet there has been no comprehensive systematic review of the literature on what constitutes culturally safe health care practice. This gap in knowledge contributes to ongoing challenges providing culturally safe health services and policy. This review explores culturally safe health care practice from the perspective of Indigenous Peoples as recipients of health care in Western high-income countries, with a specific focus on Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. A systematic meta-ethnographic review of peer-reviewed literature was undertaken across five databases: Ovid MEDLINE, Scopus, PsychINFO, CINAHL Plus and Informit. Eligible studies included Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples receiving health care in Australia, had a focus on exploring health care experiences, and a qualitative component to study design. Two authors independently determined study eligibility (5554 articles screened). Study characteristics and results were extracted and quality appraisal was conducted. Data synthesis was conducted using meta-ethnography methodology, contextualised by health care setting. Thirty-four eligible studies were identified. Elements of culturally safe health care identified were inter-related and included personable two-way communication, a well-resourced Indigenous health workforce, trusting relationships and supportive health care systems that are responsive to Indigenous Peoples' cultural knowledge, beliefs and values. These elements can form the basis of interventions and strategies to promote culturally safe health care practice and systems in Australia. Future cultural safety interventions need to be rigorously evaluated to explore their impact on Indigenous Peoples' satisfaction with health care and improvements in health care outcomes.

Studies have documented a higher disease burden in indigenous compared with nonindigenous populations, but no global data on the epidemiology of visual loss in indigenous peoples are available. A systematic review of literature on visual loss in the world's indigenous populations could identify major gaps and inform interventions to reduce their burden of visual loss. To conduct a systematic review on the prevalence and causes of visual loss among the world's indigenous populations. A search of databases and alternative sources identified literature on the prevalence and causes of visual loss (visual impairment and blindness) and eye diseases in indigenous populations. Studies from January 1, 1990, through August 1, 2017, that included clinical eye examinations of indigenous participants and, where possible, compared findings with those of nonindigenous populations were included. Methodologic quality of studies was evaluated to reveal gaps in the literature. Limited data were available worldwide. A total of 85 articles described 64 unique studies from 24 countries that examined 79 598 unique indigenous participants. Nineteen studies reported comparator data on 42 085 nonindigenous individuals. The prevalence of visual loss was reported in 13 countries, with visual impairment ranging from 0.6% in indigenous Australian children to 48.5% in native Tibetans 50 years or older. Uncorrected refractive error was the main cause of visual impairment (21.0%-65.1%) in 5 of 6 studies that measured presenting visual acuity. Cataract was the main cause of visual impairment in all 6 studies measuring best-corrected acuity (25.4%-72.2%). Cataract was the leading cause of blindness in 13 studies (32.0%-79.2%), followed by uncorrected refractive error in 2 studies (33.0% and 35.8%). Most countries with indigenous peoples do not have data on the burden of visual loss in these populations. Although existing studies vary in methodologic quality and reliability, they suggest that most visual loss in indigenous populations is avoidable. Improvements in quality and frequency of research into the eye health of indigenous communities appear to be required, and coordinated eye care programs should be implemented to specifically target the indigenous peoples of the world.

Purpose This study aims to identify the determinants of conflict resolution over sustainability issues involving Indigenous peoples. While Indigenous peoples’ stewardship of nature as well as their rights to participate in any decision-making regarding their lives are recognized by the United Nations, sustainability (e.g. conservation policy, livelihood issues and land use rights) remains a major conflict between Indigenous rightsholders and non-Indigenous stakeholders, including governments and private sectors. This raises the main research question: What are the determinants of multistakeholder conflict resolution over sustainability issues from Indigenous peoples’ perspectives? Design/methodology/approach This study uses a systematic literature review approach to identify relevant indicative variables in developing the theoretical model. The authors reviewed 58 studies from 3,099 screened articles in four leading academic databases: Scopus, EBSCO, Web of Science and Google Scholar. Findings The findings suggest that trust and socioecological justice could mediate the relationship between practical wisdom and cooperative conflict resolution. In addition, this study also postulates a bidirectional causal relationship between trust and socioecological justice. These relationships can be examined at an individual or organizational level. Originality/value Based on the findings, the authors introduce a theoretical model for multistakeholder conflict resolution over sustainability issues, integrating Indigenous perspectives. Drawing upon decolonization philosophy, they specifically extend the wisdom framework by calling for an analysis of power differentials that previously focused on managerial decision-making and conflicting social groups. The authors also provide several practical implications that benefit the common good of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous stakeholders.

A growing body of peer‐reviewed literature is focused on the relationship between Indigenous Peoples' lands (Indigenous lands) and conservation outcomes. We performed a systematic review of this English reported peer‐reviewed literature ( n = 111) to examine: the key characteristics; the conservation outcomes documented; the methods used in these studies; and the factors that can shape the effectiveness of Indigenous lands compared to other land tenure types. Positive relationships between Indigenous lands and conservation outcomes were documented in most of the studies ( n = 83, 75%); where Indigenous lands delivered outcomes at levels comparable to or exceeding those of protected areas. Most of these studies were published after 2017 ( n = 81, 73%), and were focused on Amazonia ( n = 67, 60%) and the tropics more generally ( n = 71, 64%). The bulk of these studies performed spatial data analysis ( n = 99, 89%) and compared Indigenous lands to protected areas ( n = 74, 67%) and to multiple tenure types ( n = 52, 47%). Vegetation or forest cover was the most common conservation metric used ( n = 62, 56%), followed by faunal or floral diversity and species distribution ( n = 36, 32%). Eight articles (7%) had self‐identified Indigenous Peoples as authors. Engaging Indigenous Peoples as authors in these studies may deepen understanding of this relationship between Indigenous lands and conservation. The literature highlights numerous threats to Indigenous lands, and 71 articles (64%) offered policy recommendations for sustaining positive relationships between Indigenous lands and conservation, which included strengthening Indigenous land tenure ( n = 37, 33%), supporting Indigenous governance of their lands ( n = 25, 22.5%) and providing funds and resources for Indigenous stewardship of their lands ( n = 24, 22%). Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

The use of digital technology to enhance language and literacy skills for Indigenous people: A systematic literature review

Systematic literature review on adaptation towards climate change impacts among indigenous people in the Asia Pacific regions

Indigenous peoples are groups with different cultural and social characteristics that share inherited ties to their homeland and natural resources. They have their own understanding and cultural experience that amounts to traditional ecological knowledge. The aim of this study is to identify the impacts of traditional ecological knowledge on indigenous people. Two main databases, namely Web of Science and Scopus, were used to conduct a systematic literature review. From the findings and analysis, two themes and eleven sub-themes were identified. The first theme is economic activities, including six sub-themes: sources of income, employment opportunities, offering products to vendors or buyers, providing market value, providing low treatment cost, and providing opportunities to develop micro-enterprises. The second theme is health, with five sub-themes: supporting food security, harvesting country food, food or plant benefits, perceived health or medicinal purposes, and livelihoods of the indigenous people. In conclusion, traditional knowledge can play an important role in contributing to the livelihoods of indigenous people. In general, traditional knowledge can help indigenous people to improve their quality of life, especially those who rely on natural resources to survive, by offering secure and supplemented food, for instance, as well as a source of earnings, crucial for food security during hard times. Additionally, traditional knowledge of wild edible and medicinal plants can play a significant role in a community’s capacity to remain resilient and be preserved for future generations.

A systematic literature review of non-market valuation of Indigenous peoples’ values: Current knowledge, best-practice and framing questions for future research

Rates of homicide faced by Indigenous Peoples in Canada have been recognized as a crisis and human rights issue. This study meta-analytically synthesizes existing knowledge related to the relative risk of homicide for Indigenous Peoples across Canada. A systematic literature review was undertaken, and eligible studies were meta-analytically synthesized to test two hypotheses: (1) The pooled relative risk of homicide will be significantly greater for Indigenous Peoples than others in Canada; and (2) this risk will be greatest for Indigenous females. One exploratory analysis was also undertaken to test the moderation effect of geography. Indigenous Peoples in Canada were found to be at a more than four times greater risk for homicide than non-Indigenous people. Both Indigenous males and females face similar, elevated risks. The risk was found to be greater in specific geographic locations. Researchers, public health, government, and other officials must focus efforts on collaboration with Indigenous communities to reduce this grave health disparity across the highest risk areas while being gender inclusive.