Conducting research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities requires a respectful, ethical, and culturally sensitive approach. This case study provides comprehensive guidance on how to engage with communities effectively, ensuring that research practices honour their unique cultural heritage and lived experiences.
Written Resources
Steps for Involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities – prepared by Aunty Kerrie Doyle.
Here are the key actions described in the document:
Working Together: A journey for involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities in Healthcare and Research – A guide for health professionals and researchers
The guide describes key principles for working together, as well as practical strategies for Involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities. For example, how to create a culturally safe space, the importance of listening deeply with Dadirri, and the role of kinship and community roles and cultural obligations. The table below lists words to know and use with care.
| Term | Meaning |
| Mob | A person’s extended family or community group. |
| Dadirri | Inner, respectful, quiet listening. A form of deep cultural respect. |
| Ngara Ngara | Listening deeply — even to silence — with full presence and respect. |
| Yarning | Two-way conversation that builds connection and trust. |
| Country | A person’s spiritual and cultural home. Includes land, waters, ancestors. |
| Sorry Business | Mourning and ceremony after a death. May last for days or weeks. |
| Kinship | Cultural system of family roles, responsibilities, and obligations. |
| Men’s/Women’s Business | Culturally specific practices, responsibilities, and roles. |
| Ngurra | Home or place of belonging. A source of strength and safety. |
| Yindyamarra (Wiradjuri) | Acting with gentleness, respect, and honour. |
| Wingara | To reflect and consider power, voice, and cultural authority in decision-making. |
| Mawa Maur | Sharing stories is sacred. Listening to lived experience is a privilege. |
| Bulbanga | Responsibility to maintain long-term engagement with communities. |
| Waranara | To actively look for the right path — to seek ethical and respectful ways forward. |
| Burbangana | To help lift up — to support others in culturally respectful ways. |
Resources for engaging with Indigenous Communities
This guide contains information and links on a wide range of topics, including ethical conduct, principles and frameworks for culturally safe engagement, Indigenous research methodologies and methods.
Video Resources
What makes a good partnership with Aboriginal communities
Video provided by Maridulu Budyari Gumal Aboriginal Partnerships
Engagement with Aboriginal community members about disordered eating
Video provided by Maridulu Budyari Gumal