Abstract
In this article, we provide an emic perspective of being uniquely positioned as part of Australia’s only multidisciplinary Indigenous research network, the National Indigenous Research and Knowledges Network (NIRAKN). We used collaborative autoethnography and reflection in our practices and experiences. Our purpose was to better understand and improve the functionality of our research network and practice, and to offer some direction for the growth and sustainability of NIRAKN and similar networks. Our narratives strongly demonstrate that mainstream models of support for Indigenous researchers have major limitations for professional development and cultural safety, and do not meet our needs and realities. The significant message is that we need appropriately resourced exclusive spaces and must lead, develop and define the theoretical and cultural specifications and applications of Indigenous researcher support models in higher education institutions. The model should be cross-disciplinary, have national and international reach and be characterised by connectedness, cultural safety and self-determination, and be located in a resource-rich environment.
Highlights
The Australian Review of Higher Education Access and Outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People Final Report 2012 (Behrendt, Larkin, Griew & Kelly) stressed that “growing the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people successfully completing higher degrees by research and moving on to careers in academia is critical to supporting future generations of Indigenous Australians to access and succeed in higher education”
Recommendations by peak national research institutions advocate for Indigenous leadership, autonomy and support through capacity strengthening in Indigenous research (Brands 2014; Elston, Saunders, Hayes, Bainbridge & McCoy 2014; National Health and Medical Research Council 2003, 2006; Thomas, Bainbridge & Tsey 2014)
Failure to recognise Indigenous rights to selfdetermination, a fundamental principle enshrined in contemporaneous international law, and provide appropriate support for Indigenous researchers is underpinned by several complex factors including, but not limited to, deficiencies of: 1) Indigenous researcher role models and appropriate mentors (Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations 2009); 2) research capacity of staff in Indigenous centres, which are primarily tasked with cultural support, teaching and learning and pastoral support (Trudgett, 2013); 3) Indigenous research methodologies (Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations 2009); and 4) institutional and individual reluctance to transform power relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous researchers (Chino & DeBruyn 2006)
Summary
The Australian Review of Higher Education Access and Outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People Final Report 2012 (Behrendt, Larkin, Griew & Kelly) stressed that “growing the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people successfully completing higher degrees by research and moving on to careers in academia is critical to supporting future generations of Indigenous Australians to access and succeed in higher education”. There have been very few attempts to establish and sustain formal structures in Australian universities that are dedicated to supporting the collaboration and development of skilled, qualified, Indigenous researchers to be responsive to the research priorities and aspirations of our communities. This support is offered only to Indigenous Higher Degree Research (HDR) studentsi, but does not generally account for Indigenous HDR students as a separate cohort to coursework or undergraduate students, nor provide individually or culturally tailored support mechanisms (Trudgett 2013). Indigenous people remain underrepresented in the research community and this has critical implications for raising the health and prosperity of Indigenous nations
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Critical Indigenous Studies
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
