Towards reconciliation in Indigenous health research: The responsibilities of the non-Indigenous researcher

This paper discusses the benefits of a collaborative participatory approach to Indigenous health research and the responsibilities of the non-Indigenous researcher. Principles to guide non-Indigenous researchers and to facilitate the empowerment of Indigenous Communities are outlined. These include: accountability to the Indigenous Community; the cultural safety of Indigenous participants; and establishing a meaningful role for Indigenous co-workers. The development of a relationship of mutual trust between the Indigenous Community and the non-Indigenous researcher is considered an ethical imperative. We argue that the Indigenous co-worker is to be regarded as a colleague whose role is of equal importance and value to that of the non-Indigenous co-researcher.