NAS Paper 1

.docx

School

The University of Oklahoma *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

1123

Subject

Anthropology

Date

Jan 9, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

Uploaded by DukeCaribou3283 on coursehero.com

Eva Boering NAS 1013 Decolonizing Methodologies Decolonizing methodologies represents a crucial structure for understanding and addressing the lasting effects of colonialism on native communities not only in the United States, but worldwide. Decolonization is rooted in the experiences and struggles of Native Nations and its main goal is to stop the cycle of the oppressive nature of colonization while understanding historical and cultural knowledge. This essay explores the meaning of decolonizing methodologies and highlights how Native Nations have pursued decolonization to ensure the survival of their people and heritage. Decolonizing methodologies are approaches that challenge traditional research, knowledge among groups, and power dynamics. The main goal of these methodologies is to change the western worldview that has historically dominated education and society at large. Native Nations, like many other Indigenous communities, have embraced these ways as a chance to reclaim their voices, identities, and sovereignty. Decolonization involves centering Indigenous culture, history, and knowledge that was marginalized and taken advantage of during colonial rule. Tribes were forced into contracts for colonial gain, often sacrificing their people, resources, and environments (EPA Policy). Despite this, many Native Nations recognize the importance of their spoken traditions, the knowledge of their ancestors, and expertise in geography or understanding the world. By reclaiming and validating their own knowledge and experiences, they counteract stereotypes imposed by colonial rule. An example of this colonial rule would be the Indian Removal Act of 1830 which

removed over 50,000 native people and forced them to struggle to maintain their cultural norms. For example, the Pima Nation in the United States has developed initiatives to preserve and pass on their agricultural practices, which plays a central role in their cultural identity. They have a deep understanding of how pollination works and how to use that in their favor (Wilcox, 97). Decolonizing methodologies also challenge the conventional research methods that have continued the erasure of Indigenous voices. Native people have critiqued the exploitative nature of academic research, which often fails to respect their cultural norms and knowledge that has been gained throughout the years. They promote voluntary research that treats Indigenous communities as equal partners in shaping research questions, methodologies, and outcomes. Colonization inflicted deep and lasting consequences on Native people, resulting in outcomes that continue to affect their communities to this day. Decolonizing methodologies provide a space for healing by acknowledging this trauma and addressing its impact on following generations. Initiatives have been taken to aim to confront the wrongs of the past and pave the way for change. Indigenous people across America have been actively pursuing decolonization as a way to perpetuate their historical and cultural knowledge. This goal takes various forms, including legal battles regarding treaties, educational steps taken by the government, and making a priority to keep culture alive. Education is a critical way to preserve cultural knowledge. Some native people have established their own educational curriculum that incorporates Indigenous languages, histories,

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version