Research in Aboriginal health may be hampered by a lack of experience with the process of collaboration with Aboriginal communities, and additional ethics approval requirements.

Awareness of resources and advice from Aboriginal mentors with in-depth knowledge of clinical and research issues can greatly assist researchers.

A collaborative approach between researchers and Aboriginal communities is pivotal to developing a research project consistent with Indigenous cultural values and health concepts, with the potential to improve services and outcomes for Aboriginal peoples.

Planning and broad consultation can ensure that research is feasible, ethical, culturally sensitive and beneficial.

This article outlines lessons learned from personal experience of developing a project in Aboriginal health, which we hope may serve as a practical guide for others.