Traditional storytelling: an effective Indigenous research methodology and its implications for environmental research

Ranjan Datta

doi:10.1177/1177180117741351

journal article Nov 09, 2017

Traditional storytelling: an effective Indigenous research methodology and its implications for environmental research

Ranjan Datta

AlterNative: An International Journal of Indigenous Peoples Vol. 14 No. 1 pp. 35-44 · SAGE Publications

View at Publisher Save 10.1177/1177180117741351

Abstract

Using traditional Western research methods to explore Indigenous perspectives has often been felt by the Indigenous people themselves to be inappropriate and ineffective in gathering information and promoting discussion. On the contrary, using traditional storytelling as a research method links Indigenous worldviews, shaping the approach of the research; the theoretical and conceptual frameworks; and the epistemology, methodology, and ethics. The aims of this article are to (a) explore the essential elements and the value of traditional storytelling for culturally appropriate Indigenous research; (b) develop a model of a collaborative community and university research alliance, looking at how to address community concerns and gather data that will inform decision-making and help the community prepare for the future; (c) build up and strengthen research capacity among Indigenous communities in collaboration with Indigenous Elders and Knowledge-holders; and (d) discuss how to more fully engage Indigenous people in the research process. In two case studies with Indigenous and immigrant communities in Canada and Bangladesh that are grounded in the relational ways of participatory action research, the author found that traditional storytelling as a research method could lead to culturally appropriate research, build trust between participants and researcher, build a bridge between Western and Indigenous research, and deconstruct meanings of research. The article ends with a discussion of the implications of using traditional storytelling in empowering both research participants and researcher.

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Metrics

124

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References

Details

Published: Nov 09, 2017
Vol/Issue: 14(1)
Pages: 35-44
License: View

Authors

R

Ranjan Datta

University of Saskatchewan, Canada

Cite This Article

Ranjan Datta (2017). Traditional storytelling: an effective Indigenous research methodology and its implications for environmental research. AlterNative: An International Journal of Indigenous Peoples, 14(1), 35-44. https://doi.org/10.1177/1177180117741351

Traditional storytelling: an effective Indigenous research methodology and its implications for environmental research

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