Navigating the cultural interface: Indigenous PhD scholars’ experience of working toward equity in health research across Australia, Turtle Island Canada, and Aotearoa New Zealand

At a glance

What we did

This project examined the experiences of Indigenous PhD scholars in Australia, Turtle Island Canada, and Aotearoa New Zealand. It explored the ways in which they are championing community-informed and Indigenous-led research at the cultural interface in higher education. This was done through an international strengths-based comparative approach, drawing on in-depth interviews with 12 Indigenous PhD scholars (four from each country) working in the field of health, three of whom also attended a yarning circle.

What we found

1. There are significantly more shared experiences than differing experiences across Indigenous PhD scholar cohorts in Australia, Turtle Island Canada, and Aotearoa New Zealand. These shared experiences are integrally linked to their Indigeneity, the ongoing impacts of colonialism, and the experience of undertaking doctoral programs within Western academic institutions.
2. Indigenous PhD scholars are pursuing doctoral degrees with their communities in mind and see role-modelling as important.
3. Indigenous PhD scholars are engaging with Indigenous knowledge systems within their academic work and contributing to the resurgence of sovereign Indigenous inquiry.
4. Indigenous PhD scholars are undertaking research that informs and creates change for the benefit of their communities in health care, policy, and governance.
5. Tailored programs and pathways are effective for the success of Indigenous doctoral students.
6. Indigenous peer networks, cohorts, Indigenous academics, communities, and Indigenous research units/organisations provide crucial support systems and cultural safety for Indigenous PhD students. Access to Indigenous supervisors or mentors and advisory or governance groups is also important.
7. Indigenous PhD scholars across all three countries continue to experience personal and structural racism and discrimination in Western higher education settings.
8. Financial scholarships and supports provided by governments and universities for living stipends and field work are inadequate.
9. Indigenous PhD scholars experience a colonial burden not carried by their non-Indigenous counterparts.

What we recommend

Section 2 of the report includes a series of recommendations related to initiatives that universities, higher education peak bodies, and governments can implement to better support Indigenous PhD scholars before, during, and after their candidature.

The full report is available for download in PDF [936 KB] or Word [626 KB] format.