Decolonization and Life History Research: The Life of a Native Woman

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Published: May 24, 2016
DOI: https://doi.org/10.18113/P8ik259717
Keywords:
Decolonization, Indigenous Identity, Life History Research, Native American Women, Indigenous Anthropology, Indigenous Research Methods, Decolonized Research Methods, Native Studies, First Nations Studies, Feminist Anthropology, Feminist Studies

Main Article Content

Jyl M. Wheaton-Abraham
Ktunaxa Tribe

Abstract

Focusing on stories told to the author by her mother, this life history work counters critiques that qualitative life history research is weak on method and theory by taking a decolonizing approach. Working with decolonizing theory to understand the stories shared, the author examines how the continued colonization of native women's minds and bodies impacts their humanity in both perception and treatment by others. The author discuses decolonizing research as both action and process, considers the effectiveness of a decolonizing strategy in life history research, and calls on others to take a decolonizing approach in their own work.

 

Article Details

Issue
IK: Other Ways of Knowing, Vol. 2
Section
Board Reviewed
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Author Biography

Jyl M. Wheaton-Abraham, Ktunaxa Tribe

Jyl M. Wheaton-Abraham (Ktunaxa) holds an MA in applied anthropology with a queer studies minor from Oregon State University. Her article, "Decolonization and Life History Research: The Life of a Native Woman," builds upon work for her master's thesis. Prior to attending OSU, Ktunaxa worked as an archaeologist for the USDA Forest Service and has served on her tribal council. Her research interests include Ktunaxa history, native identity, decolonization, power relationships in modern society, and the archaeology of the Pacific Northwest.

References

Chilisa, Bagele. 2012. Indigenous Research Methods. Los Angeles: SAGE Publications, Inc.

Smith, Linda Tuhiwai. 2012. Decolonizing Methodologies: Research and Indigenous Peoples. 2nd ed. London: Zed Books.

Tuck, Eve. 2009. "Suspending Damages: A Letter to Communities." Harvard Educational Review 79: 409-427.

Vizenor, Gerald. 1994. Manifest Manners: Narratives on Postindian Survivance‬. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press.