This ethics companion promotes cultural responsiveness in all research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people – so that research is safe, proactive, inclusive, responsible and accountable, and is led by or proactively engages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (Indigenous Allied Health Association, 2019). 

 

To achieve these aims, researchers require:

• skills, confidence, boundaries, and critical self-reflection in relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders, community members and organisations 

• information about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s ways of knowing, being and doing 

• respect for Country, spirituality, holism, intergenerational knowledge exchange and other aspects of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures 

• an understanding of ongoing impacts of colonisation at local and national levels

• knowledge of rights, governance, leadership structures, strengths and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders, community members and organisations

• commitment to good governance in research. 

 

In essence, criminology and criminal justice researchers must be guided by trusting relationships with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, Elders and community organisations. 

 

The principles outlined in this document guide researchers in ethical conduct.