ICIRAS: Research and reconciliation with indigenous peoples in rural health journals

Authors

Mark J. Lock, University of Technology Sydney
Faye McMillan, UNSW Sydney
Donald Warne, University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences
Bindi Bennett, Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine
Jacquie Kidd, Auckland University of Technology
Naomi Williams, University of Windsor
Jodie Lea Martire, CSC
Paul Worley, The College of Medicine and Public Health
Peter Hutten-Czapski, École de médecine du Nord de l'Ontario
Emily Saurman, The University of Sydney School of Public Health
Veronica Matthews, University of Wollongong
Emma Walke, University of Wollongong
Dave Edwards, University of Wollongong
Julie Owen, Library For All
Jennifer Browne, Deakin University
Russell Roberts, Charles Sturt University

Publication Name

Australian Journal of Rural Health

Abstract

Aim: We aim to promote discussion about an Indigenous Cultural Identity of Research Authors Standard (ICIRAS) for academic journal publications. Context: This is based on a gap in research publishing practice where Indigenous peoples' identity is not systematically and rigorously flagged in rural health research publications. There are widespread reforms, in different research areas, to counter the reputation of scientific research as a vehicle of racism and discrimination against the world's Indigenous peoples. Reflecting on these broader movements, the editorial teams of three rural health journals—the Australian Journal of Rural Health, the Canadian Journal of Rural Medicine, and Rural and Remote Health—recognised that Indigenous peoples' identity could be embedded in authorship details. Approach: An environmental scan (through a cultural safety lens where Indigenous cultural authority is respected, valued, and empowered) of literature was undertaken to detect the signs of inclusion of Indigenous peoples in research. This revealed many ways in which editorial boards of Journals could systematically improve their process so that there is ‘nothing about Indigenous people, without Indigenous people’ in rural health research publications. Conclusion: Improving the health and wellbeing of Indigenous peoples worldwide requires high quality research evidence. The philosophy of cultural safety supports the purposeful positioning of Indigenous peoples within the kaleidoscope of cultural knowledges as identified contributors and authors of research evidence. The ICIRAS is a call-to-action for research journals and institutions to rigorously improve publication governance that signals “Editing with IndigenUs and for IndigenUs”.

Open Access Status

This publication is not available as open access

Volume

30

Issue

4

First Page

550

Last Page

558

Funding Sponsor

University of Technology Sydney