Nothing about us without us: Protecting Indigenous knowledges through oral histories and culturally safe research practices

This thesis on Indigenous oral history brings to life our community narratives and portrays the customs, beliefs and values of our old people. The thesis asserts Indigenous tradition and cultural connectedness relies on handing down knowledge from generation to generation. Learning through intergenerational exchange, this Indigenous oral history research highlights Indigenous methodologies and ways of being. Prime to this is an understanding of cultural safety and protecting orality through intellectual property rights. From a Wiradjuri perspective, with Yindyamarra (Respect, be gentle, polite, honour and do slowly) at the core, this research explores strengthening ethical research practices based on traditional value systems.