1 Before approaching an Aboriginal organisation and/or community

1.1   Have you conducted a thorough literature search on your topic and its relevance to Aboriginal people in Victoria? 

• This includes finding out whether any similar research has been conducted with Aboriginal communities in Victoria, or elsewhere, so as not to repeat research unnecessarily.

1.2   Have you thoroughly explored the need for the proposed research in the relevant community, or with the relevant peoples?

• This is especially important if a literature search shows that this research has not previously been conducted with the relevant community or peoples.

1.3   Have you made a reasonable effort to inform yourself about the Aboriginal people/community who will be included in and/or     affected by the research?

• Local and state libraries (as well as universities and colleges) may hold sufficient resources, or you could access the library at the Koorie Heritage Trust.  A comprehensive list of online resources is also included at the end of this section, for your reference.

1.4   Have you taken cultural and social needs into account in the research design and methodology of your project?  

• This includes awareness of: the workloads of existing staff in Aboriginal organisations who may become involved in aspects of the research; and

the skills, experience and competencies of Aboriginal people who will be needed to conduct the project in a culturally appropriate way.

1.5   Have you budgeted appropriately for any community resources needed for the project, including staff time and training?

• This may include a process for reimbursement to individuals or organisations which should be outlined in the research process.

1.6   Have you planned for adequate input from community members/representatives into the research methods or approach?

• The community has the right to seek further information and advice.
• Community members have the right to request changes to procedures or methods along the way.
• Consultation and negotiation should be ongoing throughout the project.

Indigenous Services within Victorian Universities

Deakin University – Institute of Koorie Education

http://www.deakin.edu.au/ike/studsupp.php

La Trobe University

http://www.latrobe.edu.au/indigenous/index.html

Monash University

http://www.arts.monash.edu.au/cais/support/index.html

RMIT University

http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=5hmzpruj21ly

Swinburne University of Technology

http://www.swinburne.edu.au/indigenous/

University of Ballarat

http://www.ballarat.edu.au/vfed/aec/index.shtml

University of Melbourne

http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/cie/

Victoria University

http://www.vu.edu.au/Faculties_and_TAFE/Arts_Education_and_Human_Development/Schools/Human_Movement_Recreation_and_Performance/Moondani_Balluk/index.aspx

Resources: Before approaching an Aboriginal Organisation and/or Community

Aboriginal Affairs Victoria (AAV) - AAV is the Victorian Government’s central point of advice on all aspects of Aboriginal affairs in Victoria, and promotes knowledge and understanding about Aboriginal Victorians within the wider Victorian community.

http://www1.dvc.vic.gov.au/aav/index.htm

Australian Indigenous Health InfoNet: Cultural Aspects Page

Provides relevant resources, guidelines and case studies.

http://www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/html/html_environment/environment_cultural.htm

Diversity at Work – Who are Indigenous Australians?

Provides consultancy services, resources and training for organisations engaged in strategic  diversity management, workforce planning and cultural transformation.

http://www.diversityatwork.com.au/node/73

Improving Care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Patients (ICAP), Department of Human Services

Provides a resource kit containing ideas designed to improve the care of Aboriginal people, including suggestions to establish and maintain relationships with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and cross-cultural training.

http://www.health.vic.gov.au/koori/icap/g-line2.htm

Koorie Heritage Trust

Provides information about Aboriginal culture and communities in Victoria, information in relation to past government policies and their effect on communities today; details of programs operating in communities; and suggestions for communicating and engaging with the Aboriginal community.

http://www.koorieheritagetrust.com

They also run a cross-cultural awareness training program to this effect.

http://www.koorieheritagetrust.com/education/cultural_awareness_program

Kulin Nation

Provides information on the people who make up the Kulin Nation of Victoria, including the Wurundjeri, Boonerwrung, Wathaurong, Taungerong, and Dja Dja Wrung people.

http://www.yarrahealing.melb.catholic.edu.au/kulin.html

Macquarie Interactive Indigenous Australia Map

Provides the approximate boundaries of regions associated with Indigenous groups throughout Australia, as well as mapped historical information.

http://www.macquarienet.com.au/anonymous@FFC53858520/-/p/macnet/ia_tindale.html

Mission Voices

Hear Koori elders tell their stories of living on missions and reserves.

http://www.abc.net.au/missionvoices/spirituality/default.htm

State of Indigenous Languages in Australia, 2001

McConvell, P. and Thieberger N., Australia State of the Environment Second Technical Paper Series.

http://www.environment.gov.au/soe/2001/publications/technical/indigenous-languages.html

Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA)

The TSRA is a government initiative aiming to strengthen the economic, social and cultural development of the Torres Strait to improve the lifestyle and wellbeing of Torres Strait Islanders and Aboriginal people living in the region.

http://www.tsra.gov.au/

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