Decolonising Academic Research: Empowering Indigenous Research

Abstract:
The historical colonial influence of academic institutions has led to a skewed representation and understanding of Indigenous knowledge, culture, and perspectives.

This paper proposes a transformative approach to decolonising universities by reallocating (Indigenous) academic research funds to Indigenous independent researchers. By doing so, we aim to foster a more inclusive, culturally appropriate, and unbiased research environment that truly represents and respects Indigenous voices.

Key Points:

1. Historical colonisation of academic institutions has marginalised Indigenous knowledge.
2. Western academic institutions often perpetuate systemic biases, including alleged institutional racism.
3. Indigenous independent researchers can offer a more authentic and culturally sensitive perspective.
4. Reallocating research funds can empower these researchers, leading to more holistic and unbiased research outcomes.

Problem Statement:
Western academic institutions, built on stolen First Nations land, have historically marginalised and misrepresented Indigenous knowledge and perspectives. The alleged institutional racism present in these institutions can negatively impact the authenticity and credibility of Indigenous research conducted within their confines.

Research Objectives:

1. To understand the extent of colonisation and its impact on Indigenous research within Western academic institutions.
2. To assess the benefits of reallocating academic research funds to Indigenous independent researchers.
3. To evaluate the quality, authenticity, and cultural appropriateness of research conducted by Indigenous independent researchers.
4. To provide recommendations for implementing a sustainable model of fund reallocation to support Indigenous research outside traditional academic settings.

Research Methodology:
A mixed-methods approach will be employed, combining both qualitative and quantitative research methods to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the issue and the potential impact of the proposed solution.

Research Methods:

Qualitative:

1. Interviews: Conduct in-depth interviews with Indigenous scholars, students, and independent researchers to gather insights into their experiences within Western academic institutions and the challenges they face.
2. Case Studies: Analyse successful instances where funds have been reallocated to Indigenous researchers outside of universities to understand the benefits and challenges.
3. Focus Groups: Organise discussions with Indigenous communities to understand their perspective on research conducted about them and their preferences.

Quantitative:

1. Surveys: Distribute surveys to a broad audience, including academic professionals, students, and the general public, to gauge perceptions of Indigenous research within and outside academic institutions.
2. Statistical Analysis: Analyse data on research funding allocation patterns over the past decades to identify trends and disparities.
3. Comparative Analysis: Compare the quality and impact of research conducted within traditional academic settings versus that conducted by Indigenous independent researchers.

In conclusion, by recognising historical biases and actively working towards decolonising academic research, we can pave the way for a more inclusive, representative, and culturally sensitive research environment. Empowering Indigenous independent researchers through fund reallocation could be a crucial step in this direction.

Note: first draft… email [email protected] if you have any feedback.