First Nations Research Methodologies: Storytelling, Deep Listening, and Lived Experience

Throughout the world, First Nations Peoples have a traditional emphasis on oral practices for the transmission of knowledge. Discovery and transmission of knowledge is at the core of all research processes. Oral cultural practices embrace storytelling and deep listening encompassing lived experience. These are First Nations research methodologies. Yet in Australia, First Nations research methodologies have not fully received the attention they rightly deserve. There are transformative benefits to be gained from expanding the use of, and reliance on, First Nations storytelling as an authentic form of narrative. Privileging First Nations voices in research directly, rather than other researchers appropriating their stories, is essential for authenticity. Lived experience is a valuable and unique source of knowledge and deep listening must be regarded as a key research skill. As well as empowering First Nations researchers, there are also fundamental responsibilities for non-Indigenous researchers who must engage in ethical research in this space. These researchers must recognise and develop culturally appropriate practices to respect First Nations methodologies in the research processes. To address the historical minimisation of First Nations knowledge, all researchers must prioritise the active citation of First Nations researchers. Implemented together, all these measures will serve to amplify the impact of First Nations knowledges and research.