Knowing through being known: reflections on Indigenous epistemology and participatory consciousness

Abstract

Traditional approaches to engaging in research with Indigenous communities have often utilized western epistemological and ontological bases as the foundations of research. While these research methodologies may be appropriate within some settings, there are strong arguments from Indigenous (Māori) scholars that these frameworks actually promote neo-colonialism, albeit unintentionally. This article explores the import of utilizing Heshusius’ participatory mode of consciousness, where the researcher intentionally and actively forgoes their own research agenda in order to engage with that of the research community, effectively sharing research between themselves and the participant. This leads to a new form of self–other unity, where the researcher becomes an inextricable part of the community, forming relationships that are inherently necessary for any respectful research with Indigenous groups to take place. This concept is nestled within a Kaupapa Māori research framework, which seeks to validate Māori ways of knowing and constructing knowledge, perhaps at the expense of western ideals.

• decolonizing research
• Indigenous
• Kaupapa Māori
• Māori diaspora
• participatory consciousness

Acknowledgments

I would like to acknowledge the participation of my whānau hahi that took part in this research, without whom this research simply would not exist. Ngā manaakitanga ō Ihowa ō ngā mano ki runga I a koutou, ā, e mihi tonu ana ki a koutou katoa.

Notes

1 Despite Malta being a European country with influences from its former status as a British colony, this collectivistic paradigm still pervades interfamilial relating and understandings of the world, in a similar way to other Southern Mediterranean countries in close proximity (including Italy, Spain, and Greece).

2 Available on YouTube, Spotify, and iTunes by searching Whakanuia.

3 This album is available on YouTube, Spotify, and iTunes by searching Calvary Life Outreach Minto.