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Kebi Paser: The Small Hill Approach to Research, Ethics and Cultural Protocols

Indigenous Research Ethics: Claiming Research Sovereignty Beyond Deficit and the Colonial Legacy

ISBN: 978-1-78769-390-6, eISBN: 978-1-78769-389-0

Publication date: 19 October 2020

Abstract

This chapter focuses on creating a Torres Strait Island perspective on the research ethics and cultural protocols of Islander dance. Previous research into Torres Strait Islander cultural dance has traditionally focussed on the music and songs and rarely on the movements themselves or the cultural protocols of dance. Specifically, we explore how Islander dance from the Island of Mer (Meriam Kab) is not only created and practised but also how that information is communicated. This chapter asks the questions – how should Meriam Kab be researched? What are the protocols and processes that need to be followed? What is the role of Elders and how important is their place in the practice of dance? These questions will be explored through the cultural dances performed by the Gerib Sik Torres Strait Islander Corporation as an inroad into the significance of Meriam Kab as expressions of Meriam identity. Gerib Sik has a long tradition of cultural consultation in the development of their dances, and this chapter is co-authored by the directors. Through this writing, we hope to shine a spotlight on Meriam Kab research by illustrating the importance of the specificity of Islander identity.

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Acknowledgements

Acknowledgements

We acknowledge our Elders and the cultural practitioners and knowledge holders that have come before us. We acknowledge and thank those who have guided our thinking with any errors solely our own. Funding for this project was provided by the Berndt Foundation.

Citation

Stolte, G., Zaro, N. and Zaro, K. (2020), "Kebi Paser: The Small Hill Approach to Research, Ethics and Cultural Protocols", George, L., Tauri, J. and MacDonald, L.T.A.o.T. (Ed.) Indigenous Research Ethics: Claiming Research Sovereignty Beyond Deficit and the Colonial Legacy (Advances in Research Ethics and Integrity, Vol. 6), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 177-188. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2398-601820200000006012

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

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