Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4653-3596

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-2021

Publication Title

The Criminologist

Volume

46

Issue

3

First Page

1

Last Page

6

Abstract

Before conducting research in an Indigenous community, a researcher, especially a non-Indigenous researcher, must recognize and acknowledge not only the historical impact research has had on Indigenous communities but the current impacts that arise when research is conducted in Indigenous communities. Specifically, one must consider settler colonialism and its continuing impact on Indigenous communities today. Professor of Indigenous Education Linda Tuhiwai Smith (2012) states: “The word itself, ‘research’, is probably one of the dirtiest words in the Indigenous world’s vocabulary”. Smith continues by linking research and Western imperialism and colonialism together, with research being a tool for imperialism and colonialism. Therefore, it is critical to identify how research and its processes have been used to justify the dehumanization of Indigenous people in order to gain and maintain power over Indigenous communities. Researchers must ensure that their research does not perpetuate unequal power dynamics and is based on a collective process. Suggestions for best practices for working with Indigenous people/communities are presented below.

Comments

Permission to deposit this article was obtained from the Criminologist by the American Society of Criminology (ASC) who owns the copyright and is available at: https://asc41.com/wp-content/uploads/ASC-Criminologist-2021-05.pdf

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