The many hats of an Indigenous researcher: reflecting on practice

Abstract

I recently had cause to reflect on my experience as a researcher and the many hats that I wear in this role. Each hat comes with its own rewards and challenges, which is the focus of this paper and may assist early career Indigenous researchers in being aware of the challenges and may provide some practical strategies for survival. Highlighted is the need for Indigenous researchers to effectively position themselves in terms of their careers and to be conscious of the complexity of their role given the expectations from Indigenous and non-Indigenous perspectives. This reflection focuses on my work in Indigenous empowerment, health and wellbeing and Indigenous history, identity and language.