Margaret KovachPlains Cree and Saulteaux peoples of the Great Plains

Canada

� Margaret Kovach 2009

� Indigenous Methodologies: Characteristics, Conversations and Contexts

� University of Toronto Press, Toronto

� Nehiyaw Kiskeyihtamowin

Methodology is relational

Giving Back

Researcher Preparation

Researcher Preparation

Making Meaning

Gathering Knowledge

Decolonizing & Ethics

Nehiyaw

Kiskeyihtamowin

Epistemology

� Tribal epistemology

� Decolonizing and ethical aim

� Researcher preparations involving cultural protocols

Research preparations involving standard research � Research preparations involving standard research design

� Making meaning of knowledges gathered

� Giving back

� As a theory of knowledge, epistemology includes beliefs held about knowledge, where it comes from and whom it involves (Kovach 2009:46)

� Centring Nehiyaw Knowledge which is non-fragmented and holistic approach to the worldfragmented and holistic approach to the world

� Your tribal knowledge system should inform the way in which you make meaning and how you will conduct the research.

� Your epistemic positioning should be acknowledged.� You are responsible for using this knowledge.

� A commitment to praxis and social justice for Indigenous people.

� That the research methodology be in line with Indigenous values

� That there is some form of community accountability� That there is some form of community accountability

� That the research gives back to and benefits the community in some manner

� That the researcher is an ally and will do no harm

� There are aspects of this research approach that required preparation and choices grounded in the inward knowing that arises from personal experience.

� Miskasowin – a Cree word that means to go to the � Miskasowin – a Cree word that means to go to the centre of yourself to find your own belonging which could include dream, ceremony and prayer

� If we are attuned to the ancestors, Indigenous researchers know what this means and that it matters deeply (Kovach 2009:50)

� Discuss your work with other Indigenous researchers

� Qualitative study with an exploratory aim.

� Some of the specifics of gathering the data included selecting participants, the methods for gathering knowledge, interpretation, and tapwe (truth and trust) knowledge, interpretation, and tapwe (truth and trust) (Kovach 2009:51)

� A pre-existing relationship and ongoing relationship with participants is acceptable according to tribal paradigms.

� One becomes an insider and outsider in the researcher

� Sharing story is a means for knowing, conversation is a non structured method of gathering knowledge; it is more than an interview because it combines reflection, story and dialogue.

� In terms of tapwe, participants were able to review and change their transcripts .

� Each condensed conversation is couched between an introduction and reflective commentary written by myself, introduction and reflective commentary written by myself, identifying the teachings that were particularly relevant to me (Kovach 200953).

� Presented data in a secondary Western manner through a thematic grouping or bundling of themes.

� Relational responsibilities exist between the Indigenous researcher and the Indigenous community; the Indigenous community and the researcher; the Indigenous researcher and the Indigenous academic community; non Indigenous researchers and the Indigenous community; and between the academic community and Indigenous methodologies. Specific responsibilities will depend upon the particular Specific responsibilities will depend upon the particular relationship. They may include guidance, direction, and evaluation. They may include conversation, support, and collegiality. Responsibility implies knowledge and action. It seeks to genuinely serve others, and is inseparable from respect and reciprocity. Why a book on Indigenous methodologies? It is a way to give back (Kovack 2009:178).