Indigenous research methodologies in water management: learning from Australia and New Zealand for application on Kamilaroi country

Abstract Indigenous Research Methodologies (IRMs) for considering cultural values of water are a missing component and wetlands management in Australia. On this dry, flat ancient continent Traditional Knowledge has been passed on from generation to millennia. The profound knowledge surface groundwater critical ensuring the survival peoples driest inhabited continent, through finding, re-finding protecting water. can provide basis exploration way that is culturally appropriate, which generates safe space researchers communities. development IRMs continues be limited Australia context, primarily due lack practitioners, with non-Indigenous dominating sector. intention paper shift decolonise research paradigm studying methodologies, partnering developing methods appropriate systems. rooted epistemologies ontologies represent radical departure more positivist forms (Wilson, Can J Native Educ 25:2, 2001). This allows researcher derive terms, questions, priorities what being researched, how community engaged, delivered. provides an overview engagement Aotearoa (New Zealand), reference case studies. These general models used as IRM Kamilaroi people Gwydir Wetlands northern NSW,