Scoping review of knowledge translation in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research contexts in Australia

Abstract

Purpose

Knowledge translation (KT) has always been an essential part of Indigenous lives and cultures. Indigenous communities worldwide develop, share, translate and apply knowledge for community benefit. As a result of settler-colonial structures, KT processes in academia are predominately informed by Euro-Western ways of thinking that are inappropriate for Indigenous communities and undermine Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing.

Methods

A scoping review of KT literature in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research contexts in Australia was conducted to lay the groundwork for developing KT methods and tools for this context. Items were eligible if they purposefully recruited Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander participants, were in English and described ongoing or completed KT processes. Item screening and charting was iteratively conducted by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Main findings

Forty-seven items were found. Of these, eight were considered examples of KT and aligned with cultural ways of translating knowledge. There was limited information on KT in the included items: 35 did not state a theory, 19 did not define KT, 26 did not state Indigeneity of authors and 23 did not disclose any Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander governance or partnership.

Principal conclusions

Knowledge translation has always been a core component of Indigenous cultures and there is opportunity to leverage this strong base to incorporate Indigenous KT in research. The meaningful application of Indigenous KT will ensure that research agendas and priorities are identified and driven by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and that knowledge is appropriately translated to ensure long-term benefit for these communities.