Utilising the concept of pathway as a framework for Indigenous Research

Drawing on Gregory Cajete s (1994, p. 55) explanation of Pathway (Path denoting structure, Way implying a process), a research framework was developed exploring Aboriginal women s perceptions and experiences of health and health services. Developing the research methodology was like laying out the Path, as a well thought out structure or the plan for the research. It relates as an external landscape, not just in terms of the Path itself, but also the research process within the landscape of the site of the research. The Way, being the process, involved enabling a clear, thought out process for me to follow and additionally one for me within my Self. The research was informed and guided by Aboriginal women. I also travelled an internal landscape in the journey of the Self, within my own learning and coming to terms with myself as an Indigenous researcher within the Pathway.