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Researching First Peoples topics

Useful resources for effectively and ethically studying and researching First Peoples topics

Humanities, Languages and Social Science

Useful resources

Find a variety of useful resources in the library catalogue by combining terms such as: First Peoples or First Nations or Indigenous Peoples or First Australians or Aboriginal Australians with other relevant terms. For example:

  • history
  • language
  • cultur* (to find culture, cultural)
  • politic* (to find politics, political)

Use these search tips for searching the catalogue more effectively.

Note: If you are doing a systematic-style review, it is best to use library databases for the formal part of your search.

Examples of journal articles

Understanding the Application and Use of Indigenous Research Methodologies in the Social Sciences by Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Scholars

Abstract
Indigenous research methodologies articulate how researchers and Aboriginal communities engage in research together. These methodologies are informed by Indigenous cultural and ethical frameworks specific to the Nations with whom the research is being conducted. This study explores how such research relationships were articulated in the dissemination phase of research. We carried out an Indigenous qualitative content analysis of 79 peer-reviewed articles published January 1996 to June 2018, predominantly in the fields of social sciences. Our findings show that most articles were written by Indigenous researchers or a research team composed of Indigenous and non-Indigenous researchers. Such collaborations articulated the principles of Indigenous methodology (IM) much clearer than those authored by non-Indigenous scholars or when partnerships with Indigenous communities were less evident with respect to the principles guiding the research process. The principles of IM that were manifest in these research partnerships were relevance, respect for Indigenous knowledges, responsible relationships, wholism, and Indigenous ethics. The findings of this study will help to guide future researchers who work with Indigenous peoples, especially with respect to the need for a deeper understanding of how such research relationships are sustained over time to bring about meaningful change for Indigenous peoples and their communities.

Related guides

Find a variety of other resources on the Indigenous Australian Studies guide.