Indigenous Methodologies: Characteristics, Conversations, and Contexts

I like this book. Very informative on indigenous methodologies we can apply to research. I am using it in my anthropology class, and would recommend it to anyone planning to work with our indigenous nations.

Indigenous Methodologies : Characteristics, Conversations, and Contexts is an indispensible tool for those who are seeking broader views, more effective and inclusive perception in the area of research, but even more than that, in life.Kovach writes" Ethical protocols in research go hand in hand with cultural protocols...overall protocol is about respect"(p.127).Family, Human & Natural Systems Constellation has been developing for a number of years, touched by the Indigenous teachings and fields of the Zulu people in Africa with whom Bert Hellinger lived and worked. The method utilizes the `knowing field' and works effectively in the midst of what cannot easily be described. Seeing a broader view applied in so many instances in Western disciplines that have hit a wall, we are all looking for less constricted, more relevant paradigms and tools. The conversations contained in Indigenous Methodologies provide those tools and incorporate indigenous wisdom, rather than isolating it.Ms. Kovach understands context and her inclusion of the sacred as relevant has touched my heart and her observations expand the mind.Francesca Mason Boring, Shoshone, Author, Connecting to Our Ancestral Past: Healing through Family Constellation, Ceremony & Ritual

Must read for all researchers

One of the very best books ive read in this masters program.

This is a MUST have for working with Indigenous Peoples doing research or just working together with groups of people with different world views from your own.

Most concise text on developing indigenous methodology from a cultural ethics approach.

This is an important book. It takes the struggle of Indigenous peoples into the halls of higher educational research.The Euro-centric educational apparatus in North America is part of the continuing colonial structure constructed to eliminate or marginalize the Indigenous population. For hundreds of years, all Indigenous people in North America have been coerced to learn and earn within the language and culture of the conquerors. However, even within this overwhelming dominance, most Indigenous peoples have been able to preserve and celebrate their own worldviews. Many died in this struggle.The standards of research and the methodologies of data gathering, analysis, peer review and reporting, forged by the Euro-centric worldview are part of the apparatus of control and dominance. Indigenous ways of knowing the world were ignored while Euro-centric research strategies were used to desecrate sacred places, loot graves, steal indigenous property, falsify the nature and extent of the Indigenous population, and to mock indigenous social behaviours and governance models, to name just a few of the practice outcomes.Indigenous peoples have suffered at all levels of the educational system. Their histories, cultures and beliefs have been distorted and mocked for years and years and years. Many were forcefully removed as children to attend schools far away from home and most were dis-honoured there. Today, in most cases, there is a lack of Indigenous perspectives and worldview in much of the curriculum, classroom practices and assessment methods in the educational system.For decades Indigenous scholars have been marginalized within the higher education system and coerced into deploying Euro-centric research methods and reporting models if they wished to advance.There has been a continuing revolt against this dominance. Indigenous scholars are creating an environment that supports and honours the study of Aboriginal ways of knowing and distinctive Indigenous strategies in research. This book helps empower Indigenous faculty and staff to use Indigenous ways of knowing and doing and Indigenous values and knowledge systems to guide their research.Kovach elucidates the epistemological and ontological foundations of Indigenous research strategies and their coherence, protocols and processes. The point is to incorporate these methods into the teaching and learning and research models across academe and beyond.

This is an excellent introduction to Indigenous Methodologies that can be used in qualitative research studies. The information on the history and reasons why Indigenous Methodologies are important and a necessary option for researchers are discussed in detail.

This is my first book on Indigenous methodologies and I really enjoyed it. Kovach articulates what a lot of researched think and feel is the direction of Indigenous research and has really given words to the situation. Though it can be a little dense at times, it creates a really great story and so I would suggest not trying to read it in a rush. This book is a must read for not only academics but for those trying to understand the place of outside knowledges in the academic institution.

This was a well written and important resource to assist me in understanding Indigenous methodologies for research with Indigenous persons. I would recommend it. Annie

Excellent primer and discussion of a way to think about Indigenous methodology. At times a bit vague and lacking examples but nonetheless extremely useful. Grateful to Kovach for her work and storytelling. I

A little 'wordy' on the research language, but thought-provoking. Recognized innovative research approaches as applicable to all cultures. loved the stories from each of the Indigenous scholars