KIMBERLEY RESEARCH FACILTATION

The Research Ethics and Access Committee (REAC) provides guidance to researchers wishing to conduct research on traditional Aboriginal lands or waters in the Kimberley.

The Research Ethics and Access Committee (REAC) and REAC Assessment Team

The Research Ethics and Access Committee (REAC), comprised of Kimberley Land Council (KLC) Board members, assisted with the development of tools which are to be used as guidance for researchers wishing to conduct research on traditional Aboriginal lands or waters in the Kimberley, with Kimberley Aboriginal communities, and/or with the KLC. The REAC Assessment Team is comprised of KLC Management and specialised staff who meet on a monthly basis to review External Research/Project Proposals and External Access Requests against KLC Policies and Protocols.

The KLC Intellectual Property & Traditional Knowledge Policy (IP & TK)

The KLC IP & TK Policy has been developed and endorsed by the KLC Board and overseen by the KLC REAC Assessment Team. It is designed to set standards for how research is conducted involving Aboriginal people in the Kimberley region.

Go to the KLC Intellectual Property and Traditional Knowledge Policy

Research must observe the following aims:

• Respect Kimberley Aboriginal peoples’ values and customary obligations

• Respect Kimberley Aboriginal peoples’ right to self determination

• Acknowledge Kimberley Aboriginal peoples’ rights to natural and cultural resources

• Recognise the rights of Kimberley Aboriginal people to their Aboriginal cultural and intellectual property; and

• Ensure that Kimberley Aboriginal people benefit from research conducted on their land and in their communities.

Prospective researchers should also read the relevant KLC policies below prior to submitting requests.

Relevant KLC Policies

The KLC has policies, protocols and guides that relate to Intellectual Property and Traditional Knowledge, and conducting research in the Kimberley.

If external parties or prospective researchers are keen to work with Kimberley Aboriginal people, to conduct research, or to film on country, they must formally request to do so through the REAC external research process or through the online Kimberley Saltwater Country Research Protocol.

Kimberley Saltwater Country Research Protocol

External parties interested in doing research with Kimberley saltwater groups (groups whose Native Title claims or determinations include Kimberley coastal areas) are required to follow the Kimberley saltwater country research protocol.

The protocol consists of:

1. A Guide for Researchers
(Collaborative Science on Kimberley Saltwater Country - A Guide for Researchers)

2. An online proposal form
(Proposal to undertake natural or cultural resource management research in marine or coastal areas of the Kimberley)

The protocol has been developed with the input of Kimberley saltwater groups and researchers. It applies to all research occurring on the lands or seas of Kimberley saltwater people.

REAC Research Process – (non-saltwater country group research)

For any requests to conduct activities with Kimberley Aboriginal people, or on their lands/waters, other than above, please see the KLC Research Protocol and complete the Researchers Questionnaire that has been developed to encompass key aspects of the Intellectual Property & Traditional Knowledge Policy and to help ensure all relevant information to the proposal is able to be presented to the relevant groups for review.

REAC Research Process - Submissions

If external parties or prospective researchers are keen to conduct activities with Kimberley Aboriginal people, or on their lands/waters, or to film on country they can request to do so through the REAC Assessment Team by completing the Questionnaire for Researchers and submitting it alongside a detailed written proposal.

Please submit your request to the Research Ethics and Access Committee Assessment Team at least six weeks prior to the commencement of the activity by email at reac@klc.org.au or by post:

The Research Ethics and Access Committee

(REAC) Assessment Team

Kimberley Land Council

Po Box 2145

BROOME, WA 6725

For further information regarding research please contact us on
(08) 9194 0100.