Decolonizing Methodologies (3rd Edition)

Research and Indigenous Peoples

By: Linda Tuhiwai Smith

Narrated by: Ruby Hansen

To the colonized, the term 'research' is conflated with European colonialism; the ways in which academic research has been implicated in the throes of imperialism remains a painful memory. This essential volume explores intersections of imperialism and research—specifically, the ways in which imperialism is embedded in disciplines of knowledge and tradition as 'regimes of truth.' Concepts such as 'discovery' and 'claiming' are discussed and an argument presented that the decolonization of research methods will help to reclaim control over indigenous ways of knowing and being. Now in its eagerly awaited third edition, this bestselling book includes a cowritten introduction features contributions from indigenous scholars on the book’s continued relevance to current research. It also features a chapter with twenty-five indigenous projects and a collection of poetry.

©2021 Linda Tuhiwai Smith (P)2021 Tantor Media

A Brilliant Read/Listen for White Counsellor-Researchers

Smith was assigned for my master’s program research class, and I was initially overwhelmed by the book due to my visual processing difficulties. However, by listening to the way the words are pronounced and thus offering more context, I have been able to fly through the chapters. This is an important read for anyone going into research which might work with Maori, Indigenous, or Aborigine peoples to understand the context to resistance from these communities. After all, when your peoples are viewed as inhuman and research by white people constantly is used to perpetuate this, you are likely to squint at someone with a clipboard and smile and a bunch of questions.

I especially appreciate Smith cautioning that this is a book not for Indigenous peoples. She writes for the “insider” audience. But some of us “outsiders” will never know what it means to be actually respectful towards Indigenous peoples until we listen and try to understand them when they speak.