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Navigating the Western Academy: An Aboriginal Man's PhD Perspective

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 December 2018

Steven Kelly
Steven Kelly*
Affiliation:
Institute of Koori Education, Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, Geelong, VIC 3217, Australia
*
address for correspondence: Steven Kelly, Institute of Koori Education, Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, Geelong, VIC 3217, Australia. Email: s.kelly@deakin.edu.au
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Abstract

This paper discusses the PhD research process from my perspective as an Aboriginal man. The paper illuminates how I navigated my way through a Western academic system using an Aboriginal framework. I give insights into the dynamics at play in both academic and traditional ways of knowing, being and doing. As an Aboriginal researcher, I was intent, as many Aboriginal scholars are, on doing research that was inclusive, respectful, culturally appropriate and satisfactory to both partners. The paper is not designed as a ‘one size fits all’, but may be used as a signpost for those who choose to do research with Aboriginal people or for insights into the experiences of an Aboriginal Higher Degree by Research student and researcher.

Keywords

Aboriginal/Western world viewsNandaIndigenist methodology
Type
Research Article
Information
The Australian Journal of Indigenous Education , Volume 49 , Issue 1 , August 2020 , pp. 23 - 31
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s) 2018

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