Bridging epistemologies: Indigenous Methodologies and Western Journal Practices

This editorial reflects on the role of academic journals in supporting and disseminating Indigenous research. It is inspired by Dr Paul Callaghan’s invited article published in this issue of Advancing Scholarship and Research in Higher Education (ASRHE) which extends on his keynote presentation at the 2024 HERDSA Conference. Callaghan outlines the fundamental differences between Western and Aboriginal culture, pedagogy, epistemology, ontology, and axiology, and suggests how universities can leverage their positions of influence to create improved wellbeing for Aboriginal people and the nation as a whole. The editorial explores prior literature, including the 2021 HERD Special Issue on Indigenous voices, and identifies challenges in reviewing Indigenous research using Western frameworks. It advocates for more flexible journal formats that allow Indigenous researchers to present their work authentically, without conforming to Western ways of researching and publishing. An ‘open’ article category, supported by an exegesis, is proposed, to facilitate a more inclusive and multifaceted understanding of research. The editorial calls for feedback and collaboration to shape a future where journal publishing truly embraces diverse research traditions.