Abstract
This workshop will explore methodologies useful for working with Indigenous peoples in the field of acquired brain injury for both research and clinical purposes. Qualitative methods including in-depth interviewing within a yarning framework (Bessarab & Ngandu, 2010) and the use of focus groups will be presented. These methods will be discussed within the context of a two way philosophical framework and kaupapa Māori theory. The frameworks involve a genuine partnership between Indigenous communities and researchers or service providers where communities have active input into framing research questions, methods and in the rehabilitation framework, ultimate models of service delivery. Long term engagement of professionals with communities is essential, with researchers and service providers working with Indigenous communities to establish trust. The workshop will include discussion of experiences gained through a number of recent studies within the field of communication disorders with Aboriginal people in Western Australia and with Maori in New Zealand. These include experiences related to interviews with people with communication disorders and their families, consultation surrounding the development of a communication screening tool, and the recruitment and training of Indigenous research assistants in this area. Bessarab, D., & Ng'andu, B. (2010). Yarning about yarning as a legitimate method in Indigenous research.