Indigenous Methodology

An indigenous methodology refers to a research approach that is grounded in the worldviews, knowledge systems, cultural practices, and lived experiences of Indigenous peoples. Unlike Western research methodologies that impose external frameworks, indigenous methodologies prioritise Indigenous ways of knowing and being, and respects the values, traditions, and relational accountability that are central to Indigenous communities. 


An indigenous methodology builds and maintains respectful relationships, it conducts research in collaboration with Indigenous communities, it understands that knowledge is interconnected, it recognises traditional practices as valid forms of knowledge production, and it challenges and resists colonial research practices that have historically marginalised or exploited Indigenous peoples. 


Indigenous methodologies are important in knowledge production because they decolonise knowledge production, validate diverse epistemologies, foster ethical community-centred research, and generate holistic insights that enrich global scholarship. They ensure that research serves not only academic purposes but also the survival, dignity, and self-determination of Indigenous peoples.

Principles of an Indigenous Methodology 

Indigenous methodologies rest on principles of relationality, respect, relevance, reciprocity, responsibility, holism, storytelling, self-determination, and a cyclical process of learning. These core principles prioritize community needs, ethical relationships, and knowledge systems that reflect interconnectedness between people, place, and spirit.

Indigenous research methods reflect relational accountability, respect, reciprocity, and holism. They include:

  1. Storytelling: Stories are a way of transmitting history, knowledge, values, and teachings. They are used as both a method (data collection) and as an analysis tool.
  2. Oral Histories and Life Histories: Elders, knowledge keepers, and community members share personal and collective histories. Oral traditions ensure continuity of cultural knowledge across generations.
  3. Talking Circles (Sharing Circles): Is a collective method where participants sit in a circle, ensuring equality and respect. Each person speaks in turn, often guided by a symbolic object (e.g., a feather or talking stick). It helps build collective understanding rather than extracting individual “data.”
  4. Ceremonial Methods: Incorporates ceremonies (smudging, prayer, feasting, gifting) as part of the research process. Acknowledges the spiritual dimension of knowledge.
  5. Participant Observation in Community Contexts: It involves living, working, and learning alongside the community. This is different from Western ethnography because the emphasis is on reciprocity and accountability.
  6. Land-Based Methods: Research is conducted on the land (hunting, fishing, gathering, walking, farming). Knowledge is generated through interaction with the land as a living teacher.
  7. Language and Indigenous Concepts: Using Indigenous languages to capture concepts that may not translate well into English. It ensures that cultural meaning is preserved.
  8. Artistic and Creative Practices: Use of songs, dance, performance, weaving, carving, or visual art as ways of knowing. It recognises that knowledge is embodied and expressed creatively.
  9. Relational Interviewing: Is a conversational and reciprocal interview process guided by protocols (sharing food, tobacco offering, gifts). It is not extractive; the researcher also shares their own story.
  10. Community-Guided Research (Participatory Approaches): Research questions, methods, and outcomes are determined collaboratively with the community. It ensures that research serves community priorities.