Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research

All research that concerns or impacts Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples must comply with these codes of ethics and any relevant sector specific codes or guides.

• AIATSIS Code of Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research

  In October 2020 AIATSIS published the Code of Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research. This document supersedes and replaces the Guidelines for Ethical Research in Australian Indigenous Studies (GERAIS). All references to GERAIS in Australian research codes and guidance should be taken to refer to this Code.

• Australian Code for Responsible Conduct of Research
  The Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research, 2018 (the 2018 Code) establishes a framework for responsible research conduct that provides a foundation for high-quality research, credibility and community trust in the research endeavour.  
   
• National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research
  The National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007) (National Statement (2007) consists of a series of guidelines made in accordance with the National Health and Medical Research Council Act 1992. 
   
• AIATSIS Ethical Research
  A direct link to the AIATSIS Ethical Research webpage with further information about the guidelines, the application framework, forms and templates, committee meeting dates and FAQ.

ICIP is an internationally-recognised term for the right of Indigenous peoples to decide how their cultural heritage, traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions may be depicted, and who has permission to do this. It is based on the principles of self-determination and free, prior and informed consent.

Rights in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander traditional knowledge and cultural expressions are imperfectly reflected in Australian law, but must be respected. ICIP ensures that all participants in research projects are aware of the inclusive nature of Indigenous traditional knowledge and cultural expressions, as well as intellectual property.

• Rights to Culture: Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP), Copyright and Protocols

  These principles were created by Dr Terri Janke to apply to projects that work with Indigenous people and communities and offer an outline for working with Indigenous peoples to protect ICIP.

• Our Culture : Our Future Report on Australian Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property Rights

  Report on Australian Indigenous cultural and intellectual property rights. *This report was written in 1999 and many of the laws that are referred to have changed.

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Library, Information and Resource Network (ATSILIRN) Protocol 3: Intellectual Property

  In this video Damien Webb talks about the importance of recognising the right of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to determine the use and access provisions for collection materials that reflect their own history, culture, language and traditions, and the responsibilities that we have as custodians of that knowledge within the library.

• First International Conference on the Cultural & Intellectual Property Rights of Indigenous Peoples

  Mataatua Declaration on Cultural and Intellectual Property Rights of Indigenous People, 1993.

• Protocols for using First Nations Cultural and Intellectual Property in the Arts (2020) Australia Council for the Arts.

• What is Indigenous Data Sovereignty?
  Indigenous Data Sovereignty is the right of Indigenous peoples across the globe to govern the collection, ownership and application of their data. This link explores the foundations of this movement, methodologies, and implications. 

• Delivering Indigenous Data Sovereignty  
  This link provides information, videos and presentations about Indigenous Data Sovereignty from the 2019 National Indigenous Research Conference, compiled by AIATSIS. 

• CARE principles 
  The CARE Principles are a global standard that provide further structure regarding the rights of Indigenous peoples when they are involved in research.  

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research Methodologies. (USYD)
  Many traditional research methodologies represent the principles and values of dominant culture. This link explores other research methodologies that may be more applicable when working with diverse cohorts. 

• Research methodologies and Methods (NIRAKN)
  This link guides you through various alternate methodologies and methods, with examples from across Aotearoa and Australia. 

NHMRC create pathways to a healthier future through their research funding, health guidelines and the ethical standards they set and uphold.

• Ethical conduct in research with Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Peoples & communities: Guidelines for researchers and stakeholders 2018

  Guidelines for researchers and stakeholders which provide a set of principles to ensure research is safe, respectful, responsible, high quality and of benefit to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.

• Keeping research on track II

  A companion guideline that provides advice on how these values and principles can be put into practice in research. Further information and resources are available on the NHMRC website.

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LibGuide 

• The library's How Do I guides are self-help guides available to help build information skills such as referencing, searching effectively, and finding and analysing resources for specific subject areas. There is also a guide that assists with finding and accessing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Resources.

• Terminology recommendation

• Indigenous Leadership - Charles Darwin University

  A selection of videos from students and researchers speaking about their experiences with research protocols and approaches to research projects when working and engaging specifically with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.