Centring Indigenous Voices: A Methodological Account of Research with Formerly Incarcerated Indigenous Women in the Australian Capital Territory

This article reflects on the methodological journey of a doctoral study that engaged 32 formerly incarcerated Indigenous women and 19 Indigenous community members in the Australian Capital Territory, guided by the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Guidelines for Ethical Research. Rather than reporting substantive findings (which are being co-authored with community members for separate publication), the article examines how Indigenous-led methodologies, sustained community partnerships, cultural protocols and Indigenous governance structures can transform criminological research practice. It reflects on the practical, ethical and institutional dilemmas encountered across the research life cycle: from relationship building with Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations and the establishment of a Project Reference Group with substantive decision-making authority; through yarning circles co-facilitated on Country; to Indigenous-led data analysis grounded in data sovereignty principles; and dissemination shaped by community priorities. The article offers transferable insights for researchers seeking to conduct accountable, culturally safe criminological inquiry alongside Indigenous communities, while acknowledging the limits of non-Indigenous-led research in this field.