The interpreter as researcher: ethical heritage interpretation in Indigenous contexts

ABSTRACT

This paper integrates Indigenous research and heritage interpretation scholarship by addressing how interpretation should be underpinned by research congruent with Indigenous expectations for research ethics and methods. Program research and delivery is a profound exercise of power, for interpreters mold public opinion. In a settler-colonial or Indigenous context, critically analyzing sources for one’s interpretative programs and media is particularly imperative, as Western researchers have historically been on colonialism’s front lines. The interpretation of Indigenous themes is fraught with difficulties, but existing interpretation literature myopically focuses on program delivery and evaluation methods. More attention must be paid by interpreters to the problems of relying on Western, positivist research in Indigenous contexts. This paper considers Indigenous research methods and ethics, provides an overview of the connection between Western knowledge and colonialism, and demonstrates the problems this poses for interpreters working with Indigenous content. I offer concrete suggestions for staff to improve their engagement with Indigenous peoples. Ultimately, I argue, interpreters must become more critical of themselves and their sources to successfully address Indigeneity.

KEYWORDS:

• Aboriginal
• contested heritage
• Indigenous people
• interpretation
• protected areas
• national parks

Acknowledgements

The author thanks the two anonymous reviewers for their time and comments. Ravi de Costa, Deborah McGregor, and Paul Wilkinson have his gratitude for their guidance and support. He lives on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe Nation, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the Huron-Wendat, and Métis peoples. He acknowledges the myriad ways he benefits from their oppression. Toronto continues to be home to many Indigenous peoples, including the current treaty-holders, the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes on contributor

Chance Finegan is a PhD Candidate and Ontario Trillium Scholar in York University’s Faculty of Environmental Studies, where he studies the complex protected area/Indigenous relationship. How can parks contribute to Indigenous resurgence and reconcile with Indigenous peoples? How should parks enhance visitor understanding of Indigenous heritage, perspectives, and narratives by improving heritage interpretation practice? How can universities better prepare aspiring park managers to engage with Indigenous peoples? Chance is partnering with the U.S. National Park Service and the Chinook Nation to respond to these and related challenges. He previously been employed by a variety of conservation agencies in the USA and hold degrees in public policy (MPP, University of Northern Iowa) and natural resources management (BSc, University of Tennessee).

ORCID

Chance Finegan http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5063-8959

Notes

1. I will use “park” and “protected area” interchangeably in this paper. I recognize that distinctions exist between these; my choice is purely stylistic to ensure varied word use.