Safety Mapping: An Indigenist Approach to Action Research Journal Article

This paper explores the use of safety mapping in Town Camps in Mparntwe/Alice Springs as a participatory, Indigenist approach to action research.

Developed in response to deficit-based research that pathologised Aboriginal communities, safety mapping centres the voices, knowledge, and expertise of Town Camp residents to identify safe places, strengthen community-led solutions, and retain Indigenous ownership over the research. By combining participatory action research with Indigenist methodology, this work demonstrates how Indigenous knowledge can drive social justice and produce practical, culturally safe outcomes.

The paper outlines the history and context of Town Camps, explains the safety mapping method, and presents findings that highlight the assets, priorities, and perspectives of Aboriginal communities in improving safety.