Kaandosswin, this is how we come to know! Indigenous graduate research in the academy: Worldviews and methodologies

摘要

Boozhoo nindiwaynimaaginidok. Chi miigwechiwendam noongiizhgad (Greetings to all my relations. I am grateful today). The purpose of this study was to describe conscious Indigenous researchers' methodologies and experiences of thesis research in the academy. It presents Indigenous research methodologies and explores the diverse and varied ways that conscious Indigenous researchers are conducting their thesis research within the academy. My commitment was to honour Indigenous researchers, knowledge and ways of knowledge production. This thesis is written from an Anishinaabek perspective with a goal of 'lifting up' Indigenous ways of coming to know in the academy.;My study draws from an examination of eleven Indigenous thesis projects and conversations with nine Indigenous thesis researchers who are engaged in the academy and who utilize Indigenous paradigms and worldviews in their research. This study documents their experiences, wisdoms, knowledge, methodologies, frustrations and struggles with employing Indigenous research in the academy. The teachings of the land guided my search and the stories of such are contained herein. Indigenous research is represented holistically and a petal flower becomes the holistic representation within which Indigenous research methodologies are framed.;This study reveals that the roots of Indigenous research are embedded in Indigenous worldviews and paradigms. Central to Indigenous research methodologies are Indigenous researchers and their unique locations, histories, experiences, values, traditions, languages and consciousness. Employing Indigenous research constitutes a journey that affects the entire process. Concepts such as interrelationships, holism, reciprocity are integral to Indigenous research methodologies. Indigenous researchers shared their experiences of doing Indigenous thesis research in the academy and shared barriers, challenges, tensions and antagonistic issues. This study reveals that Indigenous research within the academy is gaining recognition as Indigenous researchers retheorize, redevelop methodologies and enact their research agendas. Finally, these contributions collectively and undoubtedly illuminate that Indigenous research methodologies in the academy are forging pathways enabling Indigenous researchers' opportunities to conduct research using our own worldviews, knowledge and methodologies.