Yarning and yonga stew: Indigenous knowledge in tutoring research methods

Abstract

Social work knowledge and practice are rooted in Western thinking, thus marginalising Indigenous epistemologies and ways of knowing. In this paper, we present a reflection on a mentoring and yarning relationship between an Aboriginal student and Aboriginal mentor. The yarning relationship between the student and mentor facilitated the translation of Western research concepts into an Indigenous context, using the metaphor of preparing yonga (kangaroo) stew. We argue for culturally responsive pedagogies that emphasise the importance of dialogue in fostering a relational approach to learning. Yarning is proposed as a pedagogical method with broader applications in decolonising practices beyond the specific research learning context.