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Research

One of NSW AECG Inc. objectives is: ‘Engaging in innovative research that examines issues impacting on Aboriginal education and training’. NSW AECG Inc. acknowledges that research involving Aboriginal peoples has a disparaging past that has contributed to distrust by many Aboriginal peoples toward researchers. It is therefore vitally important that research be conducted with Aboriginal people that uphold the highest ethical standards.

NSW AECG Inc. acknowledges the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples[1] as a foundation to the conduct of research that recognise and protect the rights of Aboriginal peoples. These include:

  • Article 3 ‘Indigenous peoples have the right to self-determination. By virtue of that right they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development (UN 2007 p.4)’
  • Article 11 1. ‘Indigenous peoples have the right to practise and revitalize their cultural traditions and customs. This includes the right to maintain, protect and develop the past, present and future manifestations of their cultures, such as archaeological and historical sites, artefacts, designs, ceremonies, technologies and visual and performing arts and literature (UN 2007 p.6)’
  • Article 31 1. ‘Indigenous peoples have the right to maintain, control, protect and develop their cultural heritage, traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions, as well as the manifestations of their sciences, technologies and cultures, including human and genetic resources, seeds, medicines, knowledge of the properties of fauna and flora, oral traditions, literatures, designs, sports and traditional games and visual and performing arts. They also have the right to maintain, control, protect and develop their intellectual property over such cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and traditional cultural expressions (UN 2007 p.11)’.

    [1] UN (United Nations) 2007 United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/documents/DRIPS_en.pdf accessed 16 December 2016.

NSW AECG Inc. has a number of documents that support the ethical conduct of research involving Aboriginal peoples: a research position statement, research priorities and research principles. This focus on research ensures that any engagement with research is conducted in a collaborative, consultative and ethical manner.

The role of NSW AECG Inc. in research is to:

  • Conceptualise and manage research projects within the organisation.
  • Engage in research in partnership with organisations and individuals.
  • Where appropriate, provide research support and advice to partner organisations.
  • Empower Aboriginal peoples about the ethical conduct and general knowledge of research.

Acknowledgement of Country

The NSW AECG Inc. acknowledges and pays respect to the Traditional Owners of this nation. We also acknowledge past, present and emerging Elders  and the continuation and celebration of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Please note: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should also be aware that this website may contain images or names of people who have passed away.