Enhancing the sustainability science agenda through Indigenous methodology

The successful cohabitation of Indigenous and sustainability sciences has much to offer the contemporary world of sustainable development in Indigenous communities. While the potentiality of authentic and respectful combination of these two worlds has been advanced significantly within the literature, there is still a lack of meaningful uptake of the potential methods and outcomes within the sustainability science space. This article is grounded in our collective experience in undertaking a Kaupapa Maori research project (an Indigenous research framework that reflects an approach that is by, with, and for Maori) with Kati Huirapa Runaka ki Puketeraki, a Maori tribal community in the South Island of New Zealand, to achieve their sustainable development aspirations. Our aim is to reflect on and share nuanced lessons in building trusting researcher/Indigenous community relationships. We identify three interdependent principles, framed within a kaupapa Maori perspective including (a) Toitu te matauranga (processes of sustaining and valuing Maori knowledges), (b) Whakawhanaungatanga (processes of establishing relationships), and (c) Kotahitanga (processes of unity and collective action). This article offers insight into the potential of Indigenous/non-Indigenous collaborations that aims to contribute to meaningful transformation of sustainability science research more generally.

Automated summary

The article discusses the importance of integrating Indigenous and sustainability sciences for Indigenous communities, highlighting three principles: preserving Maori knowledge, building relationships, and collective action. It also shares lessons learned in establishing researcher/Indigenous community relationships and emphasizes the potential of Indigenous/non-Indigenous collaborations.