Research Methods as a Situated Response: Towards a First Nations' Methodology.

N

12

American Indians; Anthropology; Community Involvement; Cooperation; Curriculum Development; Ethics; Ojibwa; Research Methodology; Researcher Subject Relationship; Researchers

This essay is an attempt to continue the reflective element that was a part of a dissertation based on a study of the development of a culturally relevant curriculum in a tribal school. As a reflective retrospection on the anthropological research methodology, it examines the intersection of academic research traditions, the traditions of the Ojibwe people who were the subject of the research, and the personal traditions of the researcher, herself a Native American. The work of many American Indian scholars leads to the concept of a Native American-oriented, or First Nations, ethic for research, in which research emphasis shifts from research for the sake of the study to research for the sake of the community in which it is situated. The exploitative role of the anthropologist has long been criticized, and it was a particular concern for the researcher to be identified within the research project as other than an all-knowing expert. Reciprocity and mutual respect were intended to be an integral part of the research approach. The dissertation then grew from being a part of discussions to taking action with community members. (Contains 36 references.) (SLD)

1998

ED412234