Research with Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people

Victoria University research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people must be approved by the University’s Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) before it can commence.

Researchers are strongly encouraged to engage with the Moondani Balluk Indigenous Academic Unit on projects of relevance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and prior to submission of an application to the HREC.

Essential reading

Moondani Balluk expects researchers to be familiar with the following work, particularly that of Professor Linda Tuhiwai Smith:

  • Professor Linda Tuhiwai Smith, Decolonizing Methodologies: Research and Indigenous Peoples, Zed Books, London / University of Otago Press, Dunedin, 1999.
  • Dr Clare Land, Decolonizing Solidarity: Dilemmas and Directions for Supporters of Indigenous Struggles, Zed Books, London, 2015.

Principles & practices

Reciprocal engagement is necessary and central to this research field.

For detailed information on the principles and practices in specific areas see the following guidelines:

The Australia Council for the Arts have published Indigenous Cultural Protocols for Producing Indigenous Australian Music, Writing, Visual Arts, Media Arts and Performing Arts (2007):

Where relevant, the proposed research will only be approved if it complies with the principles and practices outlined in these policies.

For more information see the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education and Acknowledgement Policy.

Contact us
Please email Moondani Balluk to discuss your research proposal.