Indigenous Research Methodologies are transactional processes in which knowledge sharing relationships are made between researchers and Indigenous communities. Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge is a diverse knowledge system that is spread among different peoples in many layers. Understood and learned through holistic and relational experiences, teachings, and revelations.
Examples of Indigenous Research Methods that could be used include but are not limited to:
Storytelling
Indigenous storytelling is a framework and critical research paradigm that advances and improves the researcher’s ability to assess, interpret, and contextualize concepts, events, experiences, and theories. It is the central medium of Indigenous data preservation and knowledge transmission.
Storying
“Indigenous storying, or storywork, is a multifaceted framework that develops and enhances the researcher’s ability to “story-talk, story-listen, story-learn and story-teach.” It equips both the community and researcher with the capacity to mutually substantiate a reciprocal relationship, not only to understand and respect Indigenous knowledge, but also to participate in a shared dialogue.
Visiting
Visiting community is the first step to initiate reciprocal relationships, learn cultural protocols, and understand political structures. It is also an approach to discover the ecological and environmental systems, and to be introduced to the land identity and its history.
Ceremony, Singing and Dance
Indigenous ceremony is a part of the research process. Participation in Indigenous ceremonies is to be engaged in an organized cultural dialogue that transcends material and cultural realms.
Sharing Circles
Indigenous sharing circles are a traditional cultural approach that creates a safe environment and equal space for knowledge exchange with community support. A sharing circle is a practical research method for both qualitative and quantitative research traditional teachings, experimental stories, and community-based protocols are shared, discussed, and incorporated into one space.
Advisory Boards
A Community Advisory Board/Council empowers the community to have its own voice throughout the research process. They are the stewards of their lands, languages, knowledges, and experiences. Creating a space for Indigenous Peoples enables them to best guide the research process but also provides a learning opportunity for the researcher. Every researcher should strive to create and inform a community-based advisory committee.
Elder’s Council
Carleton University has Indigenous Elders who can assist researchers when approached meaningfully. An Elders’ time is valuable and the protocol to engage with Elders requires an understanding of process and purpose. Elders are a source of wisdom that would equip and accommodate researchers with guidance and directions. Request for the Presence of Elders or Knowledge Keepers.