ABSTRACT
This chapter explores how Andrina Komala Lini Thomas has become an Indigenous Researcher in Vanuatu, which is part of Melanesia because it hosts an Indigenous population from the Melanesian ethnic group. Matrilineages in Vanuatu provides for the needs of both matrilineal males and females within its societies, while patrilineality safeguards the needs of only patrilineal males within its societies. Vanuatu needs more qualified Indigenous researchers to study Indigenous problems and propose responsible and timely solutions to them. Commercial social enterprise projects bring immense demands for hard work and attainment of profits, thus placing immense hardships on women microfinance entrepreneurs in Vanuatu. Access to research funds is problematic for Indigenous researchers. Unless funds are available to cover overseas travel to various conferences, it is difficult for Indigenous researchers to widely present and publicize their work. As Vanuatu's rural societies perform well in socially cohesive communitarian environments, any solidarity economy projects must be based on groups and solidarity membership.
