The importance of indigenous methods
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action, reminds us all of the importance of taking the time to understand the needs and circumstances of all indigenous Canadians. As Jesse Wente rightfully pointed out in a 2017 Globe and Mail article, with respect to Canada’s indigenous peoples reconciliation also means “nothing about us without us”. This is where indigenous methods come into play. Not only is it of vital importance to ensure that indigenous voices are included as part of any public consultation, but the approach you take in research involving indigenous peoples in Canada needs to be a little different from other approaches. Most Western research comes from a Eurocentric world view and has been traditionally used as a tool for colonization. This can make research a space of struggle between Western and Indigenous worldviews and practices. To decolonize research is to conduct research “in such a way that the worldviews of those who have suffered a long history of oppression and marginalization are given space to communicate from their frames of reference” (Chilisa, 2012, p. 14). Decolonization must offer ‘a way out of colonialism” (Smith, 2012, p. 204) and recognize that most accepted knowledge reinforces assumptions about Western or colonial dominance.
Why use indigenous methods?
- They help to reach indigenous communities in a respectful and meaningful way.
- They help to meet our goals with respect to Truth and Reconciliation.
Adopting an indigenous approach to methods:
In this video, Dr. Leroy Littlebear speaks at the Banff centre about differences and similarities between indigenous and Western scientific worldviews (21.5 mins):
- Indigenous methods are grounded in indigenous knowledges. Indigenous knowledges share the following characteristics:
- a deep relationship with a particular environment based on lived experience and long term observations.
- both logos (reason) and ethos (emotion) are equally valued.
- knowledge is transmitted through practice, instruction and also ceremony.
- interconnectedness and holism are emphasized.
- knowledge is acquired through a respectful and long-term apprenticeship with elders. Learners are taught and tested by their observed actions.
- knowledge is both practical and ethical emphasizing the ways people can thrive in partnership with a particular ecosystem.
Creating a respectful two-way relationship:
- Researchers wanting to work within an Indigenous paradigm should consider the following questions (from Sage, 2018, p.10):
- How do my methods help to build respectful relationships between the topic that I am studying and myself as a researcher (on multiple levels)?
- How do my methods help to build respectful relationships between myself of the other research participants?
- How can I relate respectfully to the other participants involved in this research so that together we can form a stronger relationship with the idea that we will share?
- What is my role as a researcher in this relationship, and what are my responsibilities?
- Am I being responsible in fulfilling my role and obligations to the other participants, to the topic and to all of my relations?
- What am I contributing or giving back to the relationship? Is the sharing, growth and learning that is taking place reciprocal?
- Certain types of qualitative methods, for example, narrative interviews and participatory or community based research, align well with indigenous approaches.
- Researchers can consider the following criteria when wanting to use indigenous methods:
- Research is grounded in community priorities, and constructed or designed collaboratively between communities and researchers.
- Research conducted is respectful of Aboriginal people’s languages, cultural protocols, values, lifecycles and gender(s).
- Research conducted is respectful of Aboriginal people’s research approaches and protocols.
- Aboriginal peoples and organizations will be an active participant in the research process at the level of their choosing.
- Principles of USAI (Utility, Self-Voicing, Access and Inter-relationality), (OFIFC), and OCAPTM (Ownership, Control, Access and Possession), (FNIGC) will be looked to as useful and guiding references informing community driven research. (UAKN, 2015).
- From (Sage, 2018, p.11)