Two-way Research: Collaborating through Indigenous Methodologies

History

The Nulungu Research Institute has been delivering the Aboriginal Research Methodology Course since 2017. Since this time, we have been approached by non-Indigenous and Indigenous people alike as to whether we could offer a course on cross-cultural collaborations. This was something that staff have been passionate to deliver and while interrupted by COVID, a panel discussion at the 2021 Research Week on community collaborations reignited interest. Convened by Gillian Kennedy, the rich discussions between Professor Anne Poelina, Associate Professor Melissa Marshall, Ms Anna Dwyer and Mr John Jacky have been downloaded repeatedly with subsequent Research Weeks delivering complementary discussions. Since this time, after initially focusing on solidifying the Aboriginal Research Methods Course and are now able to offer Two-Way Research: Collaborating through Indigenous Methodologies.

The course is delivered as a unique program which involves Nulungu staff, guest lectures from local community-based research collaborations and Aboriginal leadership. Through understanding intersecting methodological frameworks such as Indigenous Methodologies (inclusive of Participatory Action Research), Decolonising Methodologies and Indigenous Standpoint Theory, the course is framed by workshops, lectures and engagement in active yarning circle discussions. With a focus on collaborative engagement, place-based methods and shared power relationships, this course is all about story – those of identity, ethics, values, multi-disciplinary/interdisciplinary and stories for better practice. Informed by strengths-based narratives and Indigenous learning practices, this course is designed for all those who seek to ensure research is applied and translated with impact, of benefit and fundamentally owned by communities involved through establishing reciprocal relationships.

2026 Course Dates

Stage One: 5 - 7 May and 25 - 27 August

Course Delivery

The Two-Way Research: Collaborating through Indigenous Methodologies course is available to anyone interested in working with Indigenous people and communities. We encourage participation of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. This course is particularly beneficial for those working in Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), non-government organisations (NGOs) and regionally for government agencies. Presently, it is held on Broome Campus over three days.

Course Structure

The current course is framed as an introduction to working within collaborative, co-created co-designed research projects involving Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. Understanding worldviews, perspectives and the influence our own individual identity has on research and cross-cultural interactions play are key components. This is then framed by ethical practice, Indigenous and decolonising methodologies, Indigenous data sovereignty, legislated policies as considered through a practical application of the learnings from the course. This is delivered through workshops, interactive discussions and lectures over three consecutive days. A second stage will be developed from 2025 onwards, with further details provided in the coming months.

Course Fees

Please contact nulungu for fees nulungu@nd.edu.au or 08 9192 0670. For payment, enquiries contact the Nulungu Research Institute office on (08) 9192 0670.