Applying an Indigenous methodology to a North–South, cross-cultural collaboration: successes and remaining challenges

Authors: Sylvester, O., García Segura, A., Ashencaen Crabtree, S., Man, Z. and Parker, J.

Journal: AlterNative

Volume: 16

Issue: 1

Pages: 45-54

eISSN: 1174-1740

ISSN: 1177-1801

DOI: 10.1177/1177180120903500

Abstract:

This article represents our collective reflexivity in the process of applying an Indigenous methodology in a North–South, cross-cultural collaboration, funded through the British Government’s Global Challenges Research Fund. The projects’ aim was to bring together Bribri and Jakun leaders (from Costa Rica and Malaysia) for constructive dialogues about sustainable development. Specifically, we applied ulàpeitök (traditional form of Bribri collaboration and translates to lend [peitök] a hand), a concept of collaboration that honours family and community; we also used S-kṍpàkö, the Bribri word for conversation, a concept that translates to feeling the space around each other together. We analyse successes and challenges and elaborate on lessons learned including (a) how and why Indigenous collaboration and reciprocity should be understood before a project is planned or financed, (b) why western academic concepts of reciprocity (such as one-to-one exchanges) need to be decolonized to include Indigenous ways of relating to others, and (c) paying special attention to language in the co-writing of publications to avoid cultural misrepresentation. Our research can inform other North/South, Indigenous/non-Indigenous collaborations that aim to contribute to decolonizing research.

Source: Scopus

Applying an Indigenous methodology to a North-South, cross-cultural collaboration: successes and remaining challenges

Authors: Sylvester, O., Segura, A.G., Crabtree, S.A., Man, Z. and Parker, J.

Journal: ALTERNATIVE-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES

Volume: 16

Issue: 1

Pages: 45-54

eISSN: 1174-1740

ISSN: 1177-1801

DOI: 10.1177/1177180120903500

Source: Web of Science (Lite)

Applying an Indigenous methodology to a North–South, cross-cultural collaboration: successes and remaining challenges

Authors: Sylvester, O., Garcia Segura, A., Ashencaen Crabtree, S., Man, Z. and Parker, J.

Journal: AlterNative: an international journal of indigenous peoples

Volume: advanced access

Pages: 1-10

Publisher: SAGE

ISSN: 1177-1801

DOI: 10.1177/1177180120903500

Abstract:

This article represents our collective reflexivity in the process of applying an Indigenous methodology in a North–South, cross-cultural collaboration, funded through the British Government’s Global Challenges Research Fund. The projects’ aim was to bring together Bribri and Jakun leaders (from Costa Rica and Malaysia) for constructive dialogues about sustainable development. Specifically, we applied ulàpeitök (traditional form of Bribri collaboration and translates to lend [peitök] a hand), a concept of collaboration that honours family and community; we also used S-kṍpàkö, the Bribri word for conversation, a concept that translates to feeling the space around each other together. We analyse successes and challenges and elaborate on lessons learned including (a) how and why Indigenous collaboration and reciprocity should be understood before a project is planned or financed, (b) why western academic concepts of reciprocity (such as one-to-one exchanges) need to be decolonized to include Indigenous ways of relating to others, and (c) paying special attention to language in the co-writing of publications to avoid cultural misrepresentation. Our research can inform other North/South, Indigenous/non-Indigenous collaborations that aim to contribute to decolonizing research.

Source: Manual