Decolonising Research Methodologies in East Arnhem Land

‘Talking About Smoking in East Arnhem Land: Denormalisation, Stigmatisation and Leadership’ was a research project that began in 2014 in East Arnhem Land, amongst the Yol?u peoples. The study revealed a wealth of deeper meanings and beliefs about ?arali’ or tobacco within the context of Yol?u tradition, history and culture. In this reflective piece, the primary author describes a personal journey of learning through observations and discussions with Yol?u informants who shared their values, expectations and obligations associated with ?arali’, which over time, have become interwoven with Yol?u ceremony.