Jack
I really like Shawn Wilson's ideas on alternative research paradigms and research being akin to a ceremony. In Research is Ceremony, Wilson respectfully rejects the universal applicability of the Western tradition of research and in proposing a research paradigm sensitive to the traditions and needs of Indigenous peoples, offers much, in my view, that non-Indigenous researchers could usefully learn from and adopt. In the 'Foreword and Conclusion' to his book, Wilson, addressing the reader directly, writes:
''So you have now become embroiled in the relationships that go into making up an Indigenous research paradigm. I believe that Indigenous epistemology and ontology are based upon relationality. Our axiology and methodology are based upon maintaining relational accountability. With a deeper understanding of these concepts, I hope you will come to see that research is a ceremony. The purpose of any ceremony is to build stronger relationships or bridge the distance between aspects of our cosmos and ourselves. The research that we do as Indigenous people is a ceremony that allows us a raised level of consciousness and insight into our world.'' (p. 11)
Mark
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