Decolonisation, Indigenous health research and Indigenous authorship: sharing our teams’ principles and practices

Abstract

Author contributionsT he authorship order for this article was led by and decided by Pat Dudgeon and Helen Milroy, based on work conducted within and reported by the team. Before that decision, each team member was provided an opportunity to write a summary of their contributions to the article, as well as recognise other authors' roles and responsibilities in the process. The authors' contributions, as per the CRediT for this article are as follows, noting that only the relevant roles from CRediT are included: Conceptualisation: Pat Dudgeon (PD) and Helen Milroy (HM) provided leadership for the development and application of Indigenous authorship principles, including holding space for conversations and activities to support the learning within the team. The remaining authors learn, practice and support the application of Indigenous authorship principles. Chontel Gibson (CG) and Shraddha Kashyap (SK) led the conceptualisation of the article in consultation with the remaining authors. Methodology: CG led the methodological approach to design and write the article. HM and PD provided leadership and advice. Supervision: CG and SK provided everyday supervision and guidance to draft the article. PD and HM provided strategic oversight. Project administration: CG and SK led the administration aspects of this article, including discussions and development. Writing -original draft: led by CG and SK with strategic oversight by PD and HM. Various support provided by the remaining authors. Writing -reviewing and editing: led by CG, Ashleigh Wright, Jemma Rose Collova and Rama Agung-Igusti, with strategic advice, and review by PD and HM. Various support provided by the remaining authors. PositionalityIndigenous relationality is a shared principle that is practiced by Indigenous peoples across the world. 1,2 It requires people to share cultural connections, along with intentions. In this article, we illustrate our positionality by using a similar approach to Bullen and colleagues. 3 Acknowledgement to CountryWe pay respects to the Elders and people of the Whadjuk Noongar nation, where our primary office is located. We acknowledge that the idea for this article originated on Yawuru Country and the manuscript was written on multiple Aboriginal Nations, including Gamilaraay, Yuin, Miriwoong and finally, Whadjuk and Wadandi Noongar. We extend our respect to Elders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and nations across the continent now known by many as Australia. Introducing our teams and workThe authors of this article are a collective of Aboriginal and non-Indigenous researchers who work together in two Aboriginal-led research teams. Helen Milroy and Pat Dudgeon lead the Transforming Indigenous Mental Health and Wellbeing (TIMHWB) project, and the Centre of Best Practice in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention (CBPATSISP). Our teams promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander self-determination and strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' wellbeing. For example, we work in gen...