Traditional indigenous research approaches prioritize indigenous knowledge systems and use existing data. Indigenous peoples’ particular histories, cosmologies, and bodies of knowledge are accused of being ignored by Eurocentric research paradigms. Indigenous methods attempt to emphasize Indigenous knowledge and ways of knowing to guarantee that all cultures are respected and conserved, as well as to provide Indigenous peoples a voice in research. Indigenous research methodologies are critical in light of Indigenous peoples’ distinct patterns of language use, education, and knowledge acquisition. These methodologies try to decolonize research by focusing on Indigenous peoples’ perspectives, worldviews, and knowledge systems while rejecting the Eurocentric assumptions underpinning it. Native American groups may research using indigenous techniques without losing their independence or cultural integrity. The writers of this paper call for academics researching indigenous civilizations and communities to employ indigenous research methodologies. Through a close reading of “Close to Home: An Indigenist Project of story gathering” by Kathleen E. Absolon and “Indigenous Worldviews, Knowledge, and Research: The Development of an Indigenous Research Paradigm” by Michael Anthony Hart, this essay will examine the concepts and principles that underpin Indigenous methodologies and their significance in the research. This article will examine how Indigenous research approaches foster cultural knowledge and safety while allowing Indigenous people to direct their own research.
Literature Review
Indigenous techniques are research procedures influenced by Indigenous peoples’ distinct worldviews, beliefs, and bodies of knowledge. These methodologies emphasize Indigenous peoples’ and communities’ knowledge, experiences, and views, intending to elevate their voices in the research process (Absolon, 2020). Indigenous research approaches differ from their Western counterparts in several ways. In contrast to Western research methodology’s objectivity, individualism, and universalism, indigenous research procedures emphasize relationality, interdependence, and cultural distinctiveness (Hart, 2010). Indigenous techniques aim to decolonize research procedures while prioritizing indigenous knowledge keepers’ rights and sovereignty (Absolon, 2020).
Indigenous techniques rely heavily on community engagement and interpersonal responsibility. Establishing and sustaining meaningful connections with study participants and communities is an essential facet of relational responsibility (Absolon, 2020), which is intended to ensure that research is performed in a culturally and ethically responsible way. Integrating communities actively into the research process ensures that studies are adapted to community needs and objectives (Hart, 2010).
Throughout the four volumes, many instances of Indigenous ways of operation exist. “Close to Home: An Indigenist Project of Story Gathering” (2020) by Absolon is an excellent example of an Indigenous method highlighting the importance of individual responsibility and group engagement. This initiative involves interviewing indigenous women to learn about their views on violence and resistance. It was done openly and respectfully, with specific consideration given to Indigenous peoples’ perspectives. Hart (2010)’s “Indigenous Worldviews, Knowledge, and Research: The Development of an Indigenous Research Paradigm” is an example of an Indigenous methodology that strives to decolonize research processes and stress Indigenous knowledge sovereignty.
Absolon (2020)’s journal article “Community-centered Approaches to Indigenous Research” is an example of an Indigenous methodology that stresses community engagement and involvement. The journals involved a collaborative effort with an Indigenous community to construct a research project customized to their objectives and needs while prioritizing Indigenous viewpoints and knowledge. Finally, Hart (2010)’s “Indigenous Research Methodologies: A Decolonizing Perspective” is an excellent example of an Indigenous methodology emphasizing decolonization in the research process. This chapter highlights the significance of including Indigenous voices and views in research and the need to question the Eurocentric assumptions underpinning much Western research.
Intersectionality
Kimberlé Crenshaw coined the term “intersectionality” in 1989 to highlight the many interwoven kinds of oppression that disadvantaged people, especially women of color, suffer. This notion is especially pertinent to Indigenous techniques since Indigenous peoples often face several types of oppression due to their intersecting identities as Indigenous peoples, women, LGBTQ2S+, handicapped, or other marginalized identities (Absolon, 2020). Intersectionality may assist to shed light on various elements of Indigenous people’s lives and identities within the framework of Indigenous methodology.
Indigenous techniques can address the intersectionality of Indigenous identities and experiences because they focus more on Indigenous peoples’ viewpoints and experiences. According to Hart (2010), indigenous techniques prioritize the viewpoints and knowledge of locals above those of Western outsiders. An Indigenous lens may better depict the subtlety and complexity of Indigenous experiences and identities and their interactions.
See Absolon’s (2020) indigenous story-gathering project for an example of how Indigenous practices might be used to address intersectionality. Absolon employed a narrative technique in this research to gather the stories of victimized Indigenous women. This method enabled a more complex understanding of how violence against Indigenous women links with their experiences as women, Indigenous peoples, and victims of violence. Shawanda’s (2020) study on Indigenous women’s HIV/AIDS experiences illustrates the need to recognize the interconnection of Indigenous identities and experiences. According to Shawanda (2020), Indigenous women living with HIV/AIDS experience a triple whammy of prejudice since they are both Indigenous and female.
Intersectionality in Indigenous methods may contribute to creating more effective and culturally appropriate treatments and policies by giving a more nuanced knowledge of Indigenous experiences and identities. For example, recognizing the intersections of Indigenous identities and experiences may assist healthcare practitioners in providing more culturally safe and appropriate treatment (Shawanda, 2020). Similarly, knowing how Indigenous identities and experiences are entwined within the educational framework may assist instructors in developing more culturally sensitive courses (Hill, 2020).
Hart’s (2010) establishment of an Indigenous research paradigm is another example of intersectionality in Indigenous methodologies. Hart contends that relational responsibility and community engagement must serve as the foundation of an Indigenous research paradigm. According to Hart (2010), it is the responsibility of researchers to ensure that their work is directed by the needs and ambitions of the community being studied. Researchers demonstrate their commitment to the community by including citizens in all stages of the research process, from project development to results presentation (Hart, 2010). This method stresses the need of listening to and learning from locals, as well as the interdependence of Indigenous peoples’ identities and experiences.
Summary of journals
The four periodicals concentrate on various aspects of Indigenous methodologies, such as story gathering, research paradigms, and community interaction. This section highlights the important arguments and conclusions derived from each publication before continuing on to a comparison and contrast of the methodologies utilized, as well as an appraisal of their respective virtues and flaws.
“Close to Home: An Indigenist Project of Story Gathering” by Kathleen E. Absolon was first published and describes a community-based research project that employed storytelling to recover and transmit Indigenous knowledge (Absolon, 2020). The “Indigenist” approach stresses the value of connections, treating Indigenous people with dignity, and respecting Indigenous customs. It has been shown that storytelling is a powerful medium for encouraging personal development, social integration, and information sharing.
Michael Anthony Hart argues for the necessity of Indigenous research paradigms based on Indigenous worldviews and knowledge systems in his work “Indigenous Worldviews, Knowledge, and Research: The Development of an Indigenous Research Paradigm” for the second journal. The concepts of justice, responsibility, equality, and mutual benefit inspired the design of this system (Hart, 2010). The results confirmed the notion that an Indigenous research paradigm might effectively challenge the dominant Western paradigm and advance the decolonization of knowledge.
“Indigenous Storytelling as Research” (Jo-Ann Archibald) is the third work that delves into the practice of utilizing Indigenous storytelling as a research technique. The technique is founded on the values of accountability, appreciation, teamwork, and fairness. According to Hill (2020), Indigenous storytelling is an effective research tool that may assist bridge the gap between Indigenous and Western methods of knowing.
Margaret Kovach’s (the fourth journal) “Ethics of Indigenous Research: Cultural Knowledge Systems in the Academy” explores the moral issues that occur while doing research on Indigenous people. According to Kovach (2021), the method used highlighted the importance of cultural customs and collective engagement and was founded on the principles of civility, solidarity, and responsibility. The results emphasized the need for critical self-reflection and being conscious of power dynamics for academics working with Indigenous people.
Exploration of Indigenous Research Proposals
It is essential to follow specific guidelines and criteria while creating an Indigenous research proposal. Three of these, according to Absolon (2011), are a respect for community engagement, a regard for cultural traditions, and a respect for Indigenous viewpoints and expertise. Hart (2010) shares the thoughts of other authors that emphasize the importance of relational responsibility, or the development of trusting connections with Indigenous people prior to, during, and after research.
The description of the Close to Home project by Absolon (2020) is an example of a well-executed Indigenous research proposal. This project’s purpose is to learn about the perseverance and struggles encountered by Indigenous women in a specific location by collecting their tales. To establish a secure venue for relaying personal tales, the researchers used a local technique that prioritized community engagement and traditional knowledge. This method relied heavily on circles and rituals.
Another case in point is Hart (2010)’s detailed description of the Mino Ayawin project. The goal of this initiative was to develop an Indigenous research paradigm that would highlight Indigenous worldviews, knowledge, and methodologies. Researchers developed a set of principles to guide their work in collaboration with Indigenous community members and elders. These standards stressed relationship responsibility, civic involvement, and adherence to established norms.
Indigenous research activities should involve ethical issues as well. According to Shawanda (2020), indigenous research must emphasize the safeguarding of indigenous knowledge and be performed in a respectful and culturally acceptable way. Taking these steps may include gaining informed permission from participants, setting clear criteria for data ownership and sharing, and emphasizing the needs and viewpoints of the community above those of the researcher.
Conclusion
This paper has discussed the underlying concepts and guidelines of Indigenous research methodology, focusing on the necessity of community engagement, relational responsibility, and intersectionality. The outcomes of this study indicate that an indigenous viewpoint on research has the potential to be more comprehensive. The knowledge, experiences, and views of Indigenous peoples should drive research in order to maximize its application and importance for Indigenous communities. When adopting Indigenous research techniques, Western research methodologies may neglect the intersectionality of Indigenous identities and experiences. Indigenous perspectives may help to inform research in areas such as health, education, environmental sustainability, and cultural preservation, among others. Indigenous methodologies provide a robust framework for doing research that is anchored in Indigenous views and knowledge and emphasizes community engagement, relational responsibility, and intersectionality. Integrating Indigenous approaches may assist academics in creating knowledge that is moral, fair, and hospitable to everyone.
References
Hill, L. (2020). Indigenous Worldviews, Knowledge, and Research: The Development of an Indigenous Research Paradigm. Journal of Indigenous Social Development, Volume 9(Issue 1), 1–18.
Shawanda, A. (2020). Baawaajige. Turtle Island Journal of Indigenous Health, 1(1), 37–47. https://doi.org/10.33137/tijih.v1i1.34020
Absolon, K. (2020). Close to home: An Indigenist project of story gathering . Journal of Indigenous Social Development, 9(1), 19–40.
Hart, M. A. (2010). Indigenous Worldviews, Knowledge, and Research: The Development of an Indigenous Research Paradigm. Journal of Indigenous Social Development, 1(1), 1–16.
Kovach, M. (2021). Indigenous methodologies: Characteristics, conversations, and contexts. University of Toronto Press.
Smith, L. T. (2021). Decolonizing methodologies: Research and indigenous peoples. Bloomsbury Publishing.
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