Journal article
Towards a Kimberley Aboriginal way of doing research
The Australian journal of indigenous education, Vol.55(1), pp.1-17
10/08/2026
Appears in Recent Faculty of Education Publications
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Abstract
This paper presents an Aboriginal-led study of higher education with Aboriginal students from remote and very remote communities in the West Kimberley, exploring the experiences of Aboriginal students studying in Australian universities. Drawing on an Indigenist methodology grounded in political integrity, resistance to colonial domination and privileging Aboriginal voice, the research identifies two interconnected gaps: limited cultural understanding within universities, and uneven access to knowledge about university systems and practices among students. Findings from yarning conducted with 20 students living and studying in remote and very remote locations show that these gaps can contribute to feelings of isolation, cultural disconnection and structural barriers, despite students’ strong aspirations grounded in kinship, culture and community. This paper argues that addressing both gaps requires universities to work relationally; embed Aboriginal knowledge systems, values and care; and co-create pathways that support Aboriginal students to flourish on their own terms. The paper concludes by emphasising the importance of Aboriginal leadership in shaping research, and stresses the value of creating culturally secure, two-way educational practices in learning environments in higher education.
Details
- Title
- Towards a Kimberley Aboriginal way of doing research
- Creators
- Anna Dwyer - University of Notre DameJudith Wilks - Southern Cross UniversityJohn Guenther - Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary EducationSandra Wooltorton - The University of Notre Dame
- Publication Details
- The Australian journal of indigenous education, Vol.55(1), pp.1-17
- Publisher
- The University Of Queensland; St Lucia
- Identifiers
- 991013396947402368
- Copyright
- © 2026 Anna Dwyer, Judith Wilks, John Guenther, Sandra Wooltorton.
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Education
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article