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Indigenous Research Methodologies: Decolonizing Knowledge Production with Bagele Chilisa

Clarence Brooks

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Indigenous research methodologies are a set of research methods and approaches that are developed by and for Indigenous peoples. They are based on the unique cultural, historical, and epistemological perspectives of Indigenous communities. Indigenous research methodologies challenge the dominance of Western research methods and epistemologies, and they aim to decolonize knowledge production by giving voice to Indigenous knowledge and perspectives.

One of the most important Indigenous research methodologies is Bagele Chilisa. Bagele Chilisa is a Zulu term that means "come together to talk." It is a participatory research methodology that involves the active participation of Indigenous community members in all stages of the research process. Bagele Chilisa is based on the principle of ubuntu, which is the African philosophy of human interconnectedness and interdependence.

The principles of Bagele Chilisa are as follows:

Indigenous Research Methodologies

by Bagele Chilisa

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Respect for Indigenous knowledge and perspectives. Bagele Chilisa researchers recognize the value of Indigenous knowledge and perspectives, and they strive to incorporate them into all aspects of the research process.
Participatory research. Bagele Chilisa researchers actively involve Indigenous community members in all stages of the research process, from the development of the research question to the dissemination of the findings.
Community-based research. Bagele Chilisa research is conducted in partnership with Indigenous communities, and it is designed to benefit the community.
Decolonizing knowledge production. Bagele Chilisa research challenges the dominance of Western research methods and epistemologies, and it aims to decolonize knowledge production by giving voice to Indigenous knowledge and perspectives.

Bagele Chilisa has a number of benefits, including:

Increased understanding of Indigenous issues. Bagele Chilisa research can help to increase understanding of Indigenous issues, such as the history of colonialism, the impact of racism, and the challenges facing Indigenous communities.
Improved decision-making. Bagele Chilisa research can help Indigenous communities to make better decisions about their future. By involving community members in the research process, Bagele Chilisa researchers can ensure that the research findings are relevant to the community's needs.
Decolonizing knowledge production. Bagele Chilisa research challenges the dominance of Western research methods and epistemologies, and it aims to decolonize knowledge production by giving voice to Indigenous knowledge and perspectives.

There are many examples of Bagele Chilisa research that has been conducted in Indigenous communities around the world. Some examples include:

A study of the impact of climate change on Indigenous communities in the Arctic.
A study of the history of colonialism in a First Nations community in Canada.
A study of the health and well-being of Indigenous youth in an urban setting.
A study of the role of Indigenous knowledge in environmental management.

Indigenous research methodologies are a powerful tool for decolonizing knowledge production and empowering Indigenous communities. Bagele Chilisa is one of the most important Indigenous research methodologies, and it has a number of benefits, including increased understanding of Indigenous issues, improved decision-making, and decolonizing knowledge production.

Indigenous Research Methodologies

by Bagele Chilisa

4.4 out of 5