Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers’ voices on the rights to sovereignty and self-determination in the field of health and medical research

<h2>Abstract</h2> Due to exclusionary policies, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have only been invited to be part of academic institutions in Australia for the past 65 years. Previous research has highlighted the negative and harmful experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander academics and students. Within health and medical research, there are a growing number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers; however, less is known about the nuanced and complex challenges faced when they are required to operate within research institutions and universities. This study aimed to examine the experiences and perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers working in the field of health and medical research. Sixteen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge holders (researchers) shared their wisdom and stories, utilising a qualitative yarning method. One main theme emerged throughout the study: coloniality is entrenched, reinforced and upheld by institutional systems and structures in the field of health and medical research. Knowledge holder highlighted the ongoing burden, harm and violence inflicted within the field of health and medical research. Whilst there have been systems and ethical processes built to safeguard communities, these often add additional burden for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers enacting them. Senior knowledge holders highlighted their attempts to change colonial practices within institutions by seeking higher positions of influence to effect meaningful reform, which often resulted in further entrenched harm and burnout. The silencing and erasure of Indigenous knowledges continues to occur when institutions employ performative progressivism. Despite this harm and colonial violence, the resilience and perseverance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples persist. The collective strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is paramount to resisting institutional coloniality and will remain steadfast despite colonial agendas. Research institutions and universities must continue to progress through truth-telling that ensures that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' sovereignty, knowledges and knowledge systems are truly upheld in the field of health and medical research.