11AIATSIS Code of Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research
The ethical foundations
The AIATSIS Code respects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values and worldviews, acknowledging
the wisdom and diversity of Indigenous knowledge systems. When announcing the review of the AIATSIS
guidelines, then AIATSIS Council Chair, Professor Michael McDaniel, said that engaging ethically means
many things but ultimately it is about respect and honour.
For me, it is yindyamarra, a Wiradjuri concept which means to act with honour and
respect, wisdom, to go slowly and act responsibly, be gentle and polite and honest
with each other, be careful of the words and actions you put out to the world and
understand the impact they have.
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There are many similar examples within Indigenous knowledge traditions that articulate how to act in the
right spirit, with integrity and with respect for Country
25
and for all living things.
It is also useful to reect on the consistent ethical foundation of the National Statement:
‘ethical conduct’ is more than simply doing the right thing. It involves acting in the right
spirit, out of an abiding respect and concern for one’s fellow creatures.
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This idea of ethical human engagement has interested philosophers and thinkers across all cultures for
all time. However, our best selves do not always prevail. For Indigenous peoples, the ongoing experiences
of colonisation, theft of lands and resources, disruption to societies and families, and suppression of
culture and identity, is a denial of human dignity and respect. When done well, research can, and has, had
positive impacts for Indigenous peoples, but research has not been immune to practices that are imbued
with racism, exploitation and disrespect.
While conventional ethics frameworks emerge from the obligation to respect individual human dignity
and protect the vulnerable, the ethical principles underpinning this Code proceed from a presumption
of Indigenous authority as self-determining peoples, and as rights holders, whose knowledge and
contribution to research must be recognised, respected and valued. This does not mean that individual
Indigenous people may not be vulnerable as a result of their personal circumstances, and indeed may be
more vulnerable due to the impact of colonisation, racism and intergenerational trauma.
The principles in this Code are underpinned by the value of integrity. In the same way, the National
Statement places research merit and integrity as a threshold question before considering values of justice,
benecence and, nally, respect. The National Statement identies respect as the common thread that
draws together all other values and principles. ‘Spirit and integrity’ is also identied as the core value that
underpins the NHMRC’s guidelines, Ethical Conduct in Research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Peoples and Communities, which is demonstrated by commitment to all of the other values: cultural
continuity, equity, reciprocity, respect, and responsibility.
27
While to some extent in Australia standards for ethical and responsible conduct of Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander research are upheld through requirements of compliance by funding agencies and research
sponsors, at its heart ethical conduct depends on the values and integrity of researchers and institutions.
24 Native Title Newsletter 2019 Issue 2.
25 Country refers not only to the Land & Waters to which Indigenous people have a traditional relationship with, but is also
inextricably linked to kinship, knowledge, beliefs, language and identity. Morgan, S., Mia, T., Kwaymullina, B. 2008. Heartsick
for country: Stories of Love, Spirit and Creation. North Fremantle: Fremantle Press; Weir, Jessica K, Claire Stacey, and Kara
Youngetob. 2011. The benets associated with caring for country: Literature review. Canberra: AIATSIS.
26 The National Statement, Preamble, p. 3.
27 NHMRC 2018, Ethical conduct in research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and communities: Guidelines for
researchers and stakeholders, pp.3–4.