ABSTRACT
There is growing awareness in Africa and the world about the importance of Indigenous knowledge research and the pivotal roles played by Indigenous researchers. This chapter defines an Indigenous researcher as one who is Indigenous and conducts Indigenous research underpinned by Indigenous worldviews. Through an interdisciplinary and multidimensional approach, the Indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) programs at North-West University are aimed at opening new approaches for Indigenous researchers as well as applied Indigenous research. Indigenous researchers need to challenge the mainstream research protocols and argue for the recognition of socio-cultural protocols when conducting research among local communities. Indigenous researchers need to develop and create community-based institutions that will conduct research that will lead to development and innovation in their communities. In the chapter, 'Indigenous research' is defined as any study about a uniquely local phenomenon that examines its local implications and/or its global implications.
