Talking About Smoking in East Arnhem Land: Indigenous Australian Cultural Mentors and a Decolonized Research Methodology

A qualitative study in the Northern Territory of Australia, among the Yolŋu people, traditional owners of large estates in the remote, isolated region of East Arnhem Land, sought to determine whether tobacco-control efforts utilizing denormalization had resulted in experiences of smoking-related stigma, as an unintended consequence. The role of Yolŋu smoke-free leaders was also investigated and the Tackling Indigenous Smoking program, ‘Yaka Ŋarali”, was evaluated to determine engagement and acceptance by Yolŋu smokers and their families. The research study was developed in consultation with and direction from two cultural mentors, one female elder and one male elder, to establish culturally appropriate, collaborative, and respectful engagement between the researcher and the communities. The case study describes the process followed by the researcher in recruitment and engagement based on advice from the cultural mentors. The study was part of a PhD research project called “Talking about smoking in East Arnhem Land: denormalisation, stigmatisation and leadership.” The decisions made by the researcher to undertake inquiries using a decolonized research methodology challenged the entrenched privileging of Western research traditions, the under-valuing or outright rejection of Indigenous knowledge, and perspectives and the widespread influence of investigator-driven approaches to research. The approach was successful in attracting Yolŋu to the study and fostered effective and open discussions with participants resulting in the achievement of the research objectives, the building and maintenance of relationships and the contribution of results to the knowledge base and to policy makers, funders, and managers of health services.