As a recognition for the continuing need to address the economic, social and educational disparity between Indigenous and non–Indigenous populations, this research focused on community identified understandings of key barriers and obstacles pertaining to sustained participation in higher education by Indigenous populations.
Our initial investigations revealed the need to identify a manner that would include a safe cultural methodology necessary to engendering this participation. It became evident that current levels of understanding surrounding issues and ideas about acculturation, inclusiveness and multiculturalism were barriers to Indigenous Peoples participation in higher education. With these ideas in mind, our early investigative attempts necessitated an understanding of what comprised and created cultural safety.
The ensuing higher education participation conversations required a secure platform, both to develop as well as investigate, with community participation, current understandings of higher education, past recognisable efforts, as well as thoughts for what might work, could work, for future attempts.
