Working with Indigenous and other cultural groups

Given the diversity of human societies and cultures, researchers need to be cognizant of cultural issues and practises of the groups with whom they wish to research. Being aware of such matters can facilitate the development of good working relationships, whilst a failure to do so may present barriers. In this chapter we use the example of working with Indigenous Australians and Indigenous Australian communities to illustrate some of the issues to which researchers should be aware. Whilst each culture will have different specific practices, being aware of such cultural matters, such as those presented here, will enable the researcher to be better informed of the type of cultural issues and practices that they should themselves become familiar with as they prepare to work with other cultural groups. The following chapter outlines the considerations that need to be made by researchers when working with one specific cultural group, Indigenous Australians, and is therefore presented as an example and awareness raiser. The issues raised within this chapter should thereby sensitize researchers to the considerations that need to be made when working with any cultural group. Moreover the principles raised in this chapter should be vigorously applied to any research that involves working with cultural groups, regardless of the culture. The chapter closes with the inclusion of guidance provided by the World Health Authority for working in such contexts.