A review that focuses specifically on whether this book is useful for a non-indigenous researcher could be read as continuing to (re)inscribe a Western 'ethnocentric' view: that any work by indigenous peoples can only be identified as 'legitimate' and 'real' knowledge if it fits within a Western framework and has value for the dominant non-indigenous culture. An important audience for the book would be indigenous academics and researchers who may be developing indigenous research agendas, methodologies and protocols. In a sense this review has a very 'ethnocentric' focus. In particular, what a non-indigenous researcher needs to be aware of when researching with indigenous peoples how non-indigenous researchers can improve their practices with indigenous peoples and, most fundamentally, whether it is appropriate for non-indigenous researchers to be involved in research with indigenous peoples. This review focuses on how Tuhiwai Smith's book can inform non-indigenous researchers who may be involved in research initiatives with indigenous communities. According to Tuhiwai Smith, 'decolonization' is concerned with having 'a more critical understanding of the underlying assumptions, motivations and values that inform research practices'. Tuhiwai Smith's book challenges traditional Western ways of knowing and researching and calls for the 'decolonization' of methodologies, and for a new agenda of indigenous research.

This line, from the introduction to Linda Tuhiwai Smith's book Decolonizing Methodologies, sets the scene for an extensive critique of Western paradigms of research and knowledge from the position of an indigenous and 'colonised' Maori woman. 'Research' is probably one of the dirtiest words in the indigenous world's vocabulary. By Linda Tuhiwai Smith, 1999, Zed Books, London

Linda smith decolonising methodologies