Indigenous Knowledges in Psychology
Psychology in Australia and globally is experiencing a profound paradigm shift, where the dominant settler colonial standpoint is being radically challenged and de-centred as a matter of epistemic justice. The epistemological Indigenous turn seeks to privilege Indigenous knowledges systems in psychology education, policy, practice, and research. Indigenous knowledges are transforming systems across disciplines with the intent to empower and enrich the lives of Indigenous peoples, and dismantle the hegemony of settler colonial views that are epistemically violent. In accordance with UNDRIP, Indigenous psychologists are asserting epistemological and ontological sovereignty within psychology. In Australia, the groundswell of Indigenous knowledges in psychology and necessity to dismantle racism, improve cultural safety, and enhance social and emotional wellbeing, is being supported across national psychology bodies (APS, APAC, HODSPA, Ahpra, PsyBA). We recognise the diversity of Indigenous peoples in Australia and globally. We acknowledge the diversity of voices, positionalities, and place-based knowledges. Therefore Indigenous knowledges in psychology will reflect this diversity, and this is welcomed and celebrated in this Article Collection. The Indigenous Knowledges in Psychology Collection is situated within this Indigenous turn and aims to amplify epistemic justice in psychology. We welcome Australian and International articles discussing Indigenous knowledges and related topics in psychology, including: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander truth-telling, self-determination, and sovereignty in psychology. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges, research and practices within psychology including social and emotional wellbeing, healing, trauma, mental health, and racism. Cultural safety in psychology when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. International movements in decolonising psychology and Indigenous knowledges, research and practice in psychology. Keywords: Indigenous psychology; Decolonising psychology; Social and Emotional Wellbeing; Mental Health; Strengths based approach
Guest advisors
Belle Selkirk(University of Western Australia)
Dr. Yvonne Clark(South Australia Health and Medical Research Institute and the University of South Australia)
Dr. Joanna Alexi(University of Western Australia)
Dr. Graham Gee(Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and University of Melbourne)