Mirrwana & Wurrkama Theory: an Indigenist Research Methodology

Bio

Dr. Linda Payi Ford is a Traditional Owner Rak Mak Mak Marranunggu woman from Kurrindju. Ford’s country is Kurrindju in the Finniss River and Reynold River regions southwest of Darwin in the Northern Territory, Australia. Associate Professor Ford is a Principal Research Fellow in the Northern Institute in the College of Indigenous Futures, Arts and Society located in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia. She applies her Mirrwana and Wurrkama (2005) methodology to her Indigenous research practice and theory across multiple disciplinary fields. Ford balances her academic research career, teaching and learning in higher education, family and caring for country and culture.

Title

Mirrwana & Wurrkama Theory: an Indigenist Research Methodology

Abstract

Mirrwana and Wurrkama Theory: an Indigenist Research Methodology describes my life’s work in social science, humanities, and the educational discipline field. I have practiced in community service, research, teaching and learning. This seminar will highlight key areas that include Australian Aboriginal engagement, Indigenist research background, an Aboriginal methodology, Mirrwana and Wurrkama theory. In 2001 – 2003, the research question was how to embed Indigenous knowledge into Higher Education core curriculum, Bachelor of Primary Education (Pre-service Teacher Education) course in the Faculty of Science, Information, Technology & Education, Charles Darwin University. It was achieved. 

My post-doctoral Indigenist research spans across multiple discipline fields over two decades. The Indigenist research and knowledge framework and guidelines assists practitioners to understand how Indigenist researcher’s connectedness operates on country. Collaborative partnerships are the keys for Aboriginal engagement. The Aboriginal community know how to interpret climate change events, and its impact on the Australian environment. Post-COVID and bushfires have impacted the Australian environment, psyche, and worldviews. The views have been disrupted. What is the new norm? Indigenist research and knowledge are influencing paradigm shifts as the Australian public are seeking more information. This has allowed an authoritative space to include a new Indigenist research narrative in government and non-government policies.