‘Leading Research from a remote community-based perspective’

Abstract

In an ideal world, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are those best positioned to undertake research with Indigenous Australians, whether in rural, remote or urban community contexts. While this is not always possible, it is important that research projects should at least be designed and conducted in collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This is to the advantage of all stakeholders, including universities and organisations that have a vested interest in envisioning a better future for Indigenous Australians. To this end, Community-based researchers play a pivotal role in working with organisations to initiate, lead and implement research projects. This includes planning, designing and delivering research. By drawing on their social, cultural and linguistic knowledge/s, CBRs are uniquely positioned to ensure local people’s voices are represented truthfully and transparently and to bring a strength-based approach to their work. This presentation will draw on a range of community-based researchers’ stories to highlight the issues, challenges, benefits and rewards of undertaking research from a both-ways approach