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Research

We have included a checklist of issues to consider when researching to ensure the story represents Indigenous people, and gives accurate contextual material within which to frame any story.

Respect for Indigenous diversity and the Indigenous culture, world views and customary law is an essential element to open mined, comprehensive research. Lester Bostock's second Guideline is expressed "an Aboriginal view of Indigenous issues may differ from a non-Aboriginal view." [6]

For this reason, it is also important to select Indigenous people for comment on Indigenous issues, rather than self-appointed non-Indigenous people. Recognition of Indigenous peoples' choice of spokesperson is important to respect and self determination.

Indigenous Units and staff in the ABC can provide invaluable background to Indigenous issues, culture, politics, social structures, geographical characteristics in different areas, language issues, body language issues and a host of other factors.

While it should not be assumed that Indigenous people are experts in every matter concerning Indigenous people, they are excellent advisors on how to locate sources of information, appropriate ways of doing so, and sometimes warning against a course of action which may be culturally inappropriate. [7]

In the research stage, and throughout the story, the input of Indigenous researchers and media liaison officers will be invaluable to accurate reporting of issues concerning Indigenous people.

Indigenous people should be properly attributed and acknowledged for the assistance they provide.

Some basic questions to ask during a research phase are:

• Is there are Local Aboriginal Land Council or other community organisation in the area in which my story if set?
• What language is spoken in that area?
• Who are the people there?
• How do they wish to be referred to?
• Is there a media liaison officer in the area?
• Who can I approach to get permission to film or record?
• Do I need a permit to go onto the land?
• Are there any sacred areas or areas which the journalist or crew should keep away from?
• Is there a particular history of difficult relations with the media in this area, or issue?
• Is there anything sensitive or confidential in the story?

Consultation

Research should identify the people to contact to discuss production of a story. Prior informed consent is fundamental to effective and culturally appropriate dealings with Indigenous peoples.

The nature, purpose and proposed outcomes of the story should be disclosed to participants prior to seeking agreement to any involvement in the process. Payment of fees and any copyright issues should also be discussed.

The third Guideline in The Greater Perspective states;

3. where non-Indigenous people produce programs non- Indigenous people they should do so in consultation with the indigenous people particularly with those who are the subject(s) of the program; [8]

Communication

Respect for the communal nature of Indigenous social structures is essential in the process of consultation, communication and consent. It is generally not sufficient to consult with one person. It is generally necessary to consult with a series of people, families or clan representatives to inform, consult and seek consent.

"The complex relationships and obligations found in extended families of Indigenous Australians means that added responsibilities, not normally expected of non-Indigenous families are imposed on Indigenous group members. This can affect the ways deals or agreements might be achieved." [9]

Respect for protocols when referring to a person who has passed away must be checked and followed in research, interview, writing and publication stages.

Respect for Indigenous time frames and decision making processes is essential during these processes also. Indigenous people may take some time to consider an issue. Decision-making processes may require further consultation, further thought and discussion or further information. A group may have to wait until everyone can be present, meetings may need to be scheduled around cultural obligations or travel considerations in remote areas where weather determines travel.

Consent

Where possible it is also advisable to gain an understanding of any tensions between non-Indigenous people and Indigenous people in an area, and between the Indigenous people in an area. It is important for the community, and for the quality of the story, that these tensions are taken into consideration. Guideline 4 of The Greater Perspective pertains to prior informed consent, communication and consultation:

4. Any dealings with Indigenous people should be conducted openly and honestly. The Indigenous people involved with the deal should be fully informed of the consequences of any proposed agreement, and they retain the right to seek independent legal advice as and when they see fit; [10]

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6. Ibid Back to text.
7. Lorena Allam, Telephone Consultation, 29 May 2002. Back to text.
8. Lester Bostock, The Greater Perspective: Protocol and Guidelines for the Production of Film and Television on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities, Special Broadcast Services, 2nd ed, 1997, page 9 Back to text.
9. Lester Bostock, The Greater Perspective: Protocol and Guidelines for the Production of Film and Television on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities, Special Broadcast Services, 2nd ed, 1997, page 12. Further information on concepts of time can be gained at page 14. Back to text.
10. Ibid page 9. Back to text.