The article argues that Indigenous Pacific research should be understood and developed within its own philosophical orientations rather than being forced to seek validation through dominant Western academic frameworks. It highlights how Pacific research is grounded in assumptions about time, space, spirituality, relationships, and community, which shape ontological, epistemological, axiological, and methodological perspectives. Rather than positioning research as a political struggle for legitimacy, the author suggests that credibility can be built through philosophical clarity and cultural grounding. This approach emphasizes subjective, context-specific realities and recognizes Pacific peoples’ unique ways of knowing as integral to research practice.

Sanga, Kabini F. 2004. “Making Philosophical Sense of Indigenous Pacific Research.” In Researching Pacific and Indigenous Peoples: Issues and Perspectives; ed. by Baba, Tupeni L.; Okusitino Mahina; Nuhisifa Williams; Unaisi Nabobo-Baba: 41-52. Auckland: Centre for Pacific Studies, The University of Auckland.