title: Indigenising the national census? A Global Study of the Enumeration of Indigenous Peoples, 1985-2014

authors: Mullane-Ronaki, Maraea-Tracy Te Kokiri Kihirini

subjects: demography

abstract: While the last decade has seen a growing academic interest in how states count and classify Indigenous peoples in the national census, most research has been limited to small case studies. In contrast, this study examines key patterns of Indigenous enumeration worldwide spanning the period 1985 to 2014. This comparative perspective is valuable because it theorises practices of ethnic counting and classification as a phenomenon positioned with a broader social context rather than a parochial practice that can only be explained by unique historical or political factors within states. Two key questions illuminate this study: how widespread is Indigenous enumeration in national censuses globally over the focal period (1985 to 2014); and, how have forms of classification of Indigenous peoples in the census changed. To explore these questions I utilise data from a unique time-series database from the Ethnicity Counts? Project which combines information about civic and ethnic questions asked in national censuses, with data on countries’ social, economic and political characteristics. The research findings show the number of states employing some form of Indigenous enumeration in censuses has increased over the focal period. Furthermore strategies of enumeration have shifted, with ethnicity type questions becoming more prevalent over time. Despite the observed increase in Indigenous enumeration over the focal period, the majority of Indigenous peoples are not counted in their national census. Ultimately this study provides new empirical findings regarding patterns of state enumeration of Indigenous populations which highlight the need for improved coverage and quality of data on Indigenous peoples.

text: Indigenising the national census? A Global Study of the Enumeration of Indigenous Peoples, 1985-2014 While the last decade has seen a growing academic interest in how states count and classify Indigenous peoples in the national census, most research has been limited to small case studies. In contrast, this study examines key patterns of Indigenous enumeration worldwide spanning the period 1985 to 2014. This comparative perspective is valuable because it theorises practices of ethnic counting and classification as a phenomenon positioned with a broader social context rather than a parochial practice that can only be explained by unique historical or political factors within states. Two key questions illuminate this study: how widespread is Indigenous enumeration in national censuses globally over the focal period (1985 to 2014); and, how have forms of classification of Indigenous peoples in the census changed. To explore these questions I utilise data from a unique time-series database from the Ethnicity Counts? Project which combines information about civic and ethnic questions asked in national censuses, with data on countries’ social, economic and political characteristics. The research findings show the number of states employing some form of Indigenous enumeration in censuses has increased over the focal period. Furthermore strategies of enumeration have shifted, with ethnicity type questions becoming more prevalent over time. Despite the observed increase in Indigenous enumeration over the focal period, the majority of Indigenous peoples are not counted in their national census. Ultimately this study provides new empirical findings regarding patterns of state enumeration of Indigenous populations which highlight the need for improved coverage and quality of data on Indigenous peoples.

year: 2017

title: Giving Voice Versus Gatekeeping: Negotiating Complexities in Research Collaborations

authors: Curtis, Cate

subjects: Social Sciences

abstract: This paper explores the potential for conflict within research collaborations with particular regard to the ethical principle of respect (as described in the Belmont Report) that individuals should be treated as autonomous agents yet those with diminished autonomy must be protected. In conducting research with young women on risk and resilience, including sensitive topics such as self-harm and sexual abuse, a number of challenges have arisen. These include access, recruitment, the development of trust, and managing potential vulnerability. At the same time, participants frequently report benefits from participation, even when distress is experienced. Although collaborating with service providers with which potential research participants engage may reduce some of these difficulties, other tensions frequently arise. Further, research on sensitive topics and/or with vulnerable people poses specific ethical difficulties. These include tensions between researcher and participant needs, such as conveying the possibility of distress while not discouraging participation and staying within the confines of the research topic (as described to ethics review boards and funders) versus allowing participants to influence the direction of the research. Service providers are often cognisant of some of these possible issues and may take on a gatekeeper role through a desire to protect their clients. In so doing, the autonomy of potential participants is diminished. Thus, the development of trusting relationships on the part of both collaborating services and participants is key to the opening of research spaces. The challenges of complex and competing needs in research collaborations will be examined.

text: Giving Voice Versus Gatekeeping: Negotiating Complexities in Research Collaborations This paper explores the potential for conflict within research collaborations with particular regard to the ethical principle of respect (as described in the Belmont Report) that individuals should be treated as autonomous agents yet those with diminished autonomy must be protected. In conducting research with young women on risk and resilience, including sensitive topics such as self-harm and sexual abuse, a number of challenges have arisen. These include access, recruitment, the development of trust, and managing potential vulnerability. At the same time, participants frequently report benefits from participation, even when distress is experienced. Although collaborating with service providers with which potential research participants engage may reduce some of these difficulties, other tensions frequently arise. Further, research on sensitive topics and/or with vulnerable people poses specific ethical difficulties. These include tensions between researcher and participant needs, such as conveying the possibility of distress while not discouraging participation and staying within the confines of the research topic (as described to ethics review boards and funders) versus allowing participants to influence the direction of the research. Service providers are often cognisant of some of these possible issues and may take on a gatekeeper role through a desire to protect their clients. In so doing, the autonomy of potential participants is diminished. Thus, the development of trusting relationships on the part of both collaborating services and participants is key to the opening of research spaces. The challenges of complex and competing needs in research collaborations will be examined.

year: 2016

title: Current state of the Rotorua Lakes

authors: Hamilton, David P.

abstract: The Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes’ programme of restoration has arguably been the most ambitious and effective of any for a group of lakes around the world. It has been characterised by willingness to ‘try things’, to be guided closely by scientific input, and to
now have excellent structures for monitoring and implementation of actions. Still, major challenges remain. One of these is the potential for a sense of complacency, particularly when some lakes have responded extremely positively to in-lake treatments (e.g. Rotorua) or major one-off actions (e.g. Rotoiti). It is essential that these improvements in lake water quality, some of which may not be able to be maintained indefinitely in their current mode, not delay further catchment management actions.
Another challenge is exotic oxygen weeds, particularly where it is difficult to harvest large accumulations. The final challenge relates to climate. Recent years have been characterised by droughts and intense rainfall events that challenge land management practices. Further, surface water temperatures in the lakes in 2015 have been greater than at any time in the past. If these changes are symptomatic of a future climate, then there will need to be greater effort put into building resilience in the lakes and their catchments.

text: Current state of the Rotorua Lakes The Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes’ programme of restoration has arguably been the most ambitious and effective of any for a group of lakes around the world. It has been characterised by willingness to ‘try things’, to be guided closely by scientific input, and to
now have excellent structures for monitoring and implementation of actions. Still, major challenges remain. One of these is the potential for a sense of complacency, particularly when some lakes have responded extremely positively to in-lake treatments (e.g. Rotorua) or major one-off actions (e.g. Rotoiti). It is essential that these improvements in lake water quality, some of which may not be able to be maintained indefinitely in their current mode, not delay further catchment management actions.
Another challenge is exotic oxygen weeds, particularly where it is difficult to harvest large accumulations. The final challenge relates to climate. Recent years have been characterised by droughts and intense rainfall events that challenge land management practices. Further, surface water temperatures in the lakes in 2015 have been greater than at any time in the past. If these changes are symptomatic of a future climate, then there will need to be greater effort put into building resilience in the lakes and their catchments.

year: 2015