GUIDANCE FOR NEW RESEARCHERS
DECOLONISING YOUR RESEARCH
Issues with non-indigenous researchers
Preconceptions that research is intrinsically benign.
The indigenous are ‘objects’ of research.
Ignorance of context, with arrogant assumptions of ‘knowing best’.
Research tends to be done by predominantly white researchers on indigenous people.
A research culture of ‘prospecting’ to benefit from indigenous knowledge, advance careers etc.
The hegemony of a hierarchical, patriarchal and unsustainable world view.
Tendency towards interventionism.
Predominance of theory over action within academia.
Some Practical Tips
Build in cultural protocols, values and behaviours explicitly.
Report back to the community.
Share knowledge – not just kept in academic circles.
Give back to the community – local schools and colleges too.
Enable makers participation in the management of projects.
The indigenous community should have control over their own knowledge.
Look, listen, then speak.
Move from alliance to partnership.
References
Asselin, H. and Basile, S. I. (2018). ‘Concrete Ways to Decolonize Research’, in ACME: An International Journal for Critical Geographies, Vol 17, No 3 (2018). Available from https://www.acme-journal.org/index.php/acme/article/view/1707
Tuhiwai Smith, L., (2012). Decolonizing Methodologies: Research and Indigenous Peoples, 2nd edition. New Zealand: Otago Publishing