Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to reflect on the role of Linda Tuhiwai Smith's book "Decolonizing Methodologies" in our work as Indigenous scholars. Design/methodology/approach: This article explores the application of Indigenous-centered research methodologies as outlined by Linda Tuhiwai Smith in "Decolonizing Methodologies: Research and Indigenous Peoples." Through the collaborative work of two Indigenous scholars, we examine how traditional academic structures rooted in settler colonialism can be challenged and transformed. Findings: We did not have findings as this is not a research paper, but a reflection on how we used Tuhiwai Smith's work in the development and implementation of an Indigenous centered research project. Originality/value: The originality of this submission is that it reflects on how Tuhiwai Smith's work was used in the natural sciences as opposed to just education/social science research.