Incorporating Indigenous knowledge into research practice

Abstract

This paper discusses the incorporation of Indigenous knowledge within contemporary research practice. It has arisen from an opportunity to work with I-Kiribati students undertaking an Australian tertiary education. Given the problem of undertaking research within this group it quickly became evident to me that there was a need to utilise a research approach that enhanced understanding of the authentic lived experiences of the I-Kiribati students. This has led to development of the Authentic Human Engagement Framework which provides the underpinning guide to the research process. This framework combines the traditional ethnographic methods with contemporary Four Seasons of Ethnography by Gonzalez (2000). This approach was inspired by Māori ancestors and a desire to more deeply understand my I-Kiribati cousins. This approach has enabled deeper understanding of the I-Kiribati experience and the researcher’s journey which could not have been obtained by using western scientific approaches alone. It has provided an authenticity, balance and a harmonious way of being to establish a research partnership which enabled the participants to be present throughout the research process.