At Collaborative Pathways, we believe the best outcomes emerge when Indigenous knowledge and contemporary research practice walk together. Our approach is grounded in cultural integrity, relational accountability, and a commitment to research and evaluation that serves community self-determination.
Indigenous-Led Methods
We centre Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being, and doing in all our work. This isn't just about consultation—it's about leadership, ownership, and ensuring that Indigenous perspectives shape every stage of our research and evaluation processes.
What this means in practice:
Indigenous researchers lead project design and implementation
Cultural protocols guide how we engage, gather information, and share findings
Community members are partners and knowledge holders, not just participants
Research questions emerge from community priorities, not external agendas
Findings are presented in ways that are accessible and useful to communities
Our Indigenous-led approach ensures that research serves the people and communities it's about, creating knowledge that is both rigorous and culturally grounded.
Yarning as Methodology
Yarning is more than conversation—it's a cultural research method that creates space for authentic knowledge sharing. We use yarning to build relationships, gather rich qualitative data, and ensure people feel comfortable sharing their experiences and perspectives.
Through yarning, we:
Create culturally safe spaces for honest dialogue
Build trust and rapport with participants
Honor storytelling as a valid and powerful form of evidence
Capture nuance, context, and meaning that structured interviews might miss
Ensure participants feel heard and respected throughout the research process
Yarning allows us to gather insights that reflect the lived realities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, producing findings that ring true to community experience.
Two-Way Learning
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems are primary in our work. Through two-way learning, we integrate Western research methods where appropriate, always ensuring that Indigenous ways of knowing, cultural protocols, and community wisdom shape and lead our approach.
This means we:
Value community expertise alongside academic or technical knowledge
Use mixed methods that honour both qualitative and quantitative insights
Are guided by Elders, community leaders, and knowledge holders
Share our own expertise while remaining open to learning
Create spaces where different perspectives can inform and strengthen each other
Two-way learning enriches our work and ensures our methods are both culturally responsive and methodologically sound.
Relationship-Centered Practice
Strong relationships are the foundation of meaningful research and evaluation. We invest time in building trust, understanding context, and maintaining connections beyond individual projects.
Our relational approach includes:
Taking time to understand organisational and community culture
Maintaining regular, transparent communication
Being responsive and flexible as needs evolve
Honoring commitments and following through
Celebrating successes and learning from challenges together
We're not just service providers—we're partners committed to your long-term success and to strengthening outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Commitment to Quality & Ethics
Cultural responsiveness and methodological rigor go hand in hand. We maintain the highest standards of research ethics, data management, and analytical practice while ensuring our work is accessible and actionable.
Every project includes:
Ethics approval (where necessary) and compliance with relevant guidelines
Culturally safe and trauma-informed practices
Rigorous data collection and analysis underpinned by the principles of Indigenous Data Sovereignty
Clear, jargon-free reporting
Recommendations grounded in evidence and community wisdom
Our boutique consultancy combines deep expertise with genuine commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander self-determination. We bring academic rigor, practical experience, and cultural knowledge to every engagement—ensuring work that is both excellent and grounded in respect for community.
When you work with us, you're choosing a partner who understands that the best research and evaluation honors culture, builds relationships, and creates collaborative pathways to positive change.