NAS Paper 1

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Jan 9, 2024

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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,

and traditions. These initiatives provide a space for younger generations to connect with their cultural heritage while receiving a formal education. Additionally, Cultural revival movements also play a large role in decolonization efforts. These movements have a wide range of activities, from powwows and traditional ceremonies that include songs, like the ones sung by the Gila River Indian community (Darling and Lewis, 131). They provide opportunities for Native Nations to celebrate their culture, pass down traditional knowledge, and instill a sense of pride in their communities. Another example of a sacred ceremony would be that of the Tohono O'odham, called salt pilgrimages. This is a religious ceremony involving young men and is the equivalent of being prepared for war(Schermerhorn,135). Decolonizing methodologies represent a powerful tool for Native Nations and Indigenous communities to challenge colonialism and reclaim their historical and cultural knowledge. By recentering Indigenous knowledge instead of western ideas, Indigenous people are pursuing decolonization on multiple fronts. Through their resilience, determination, and commitment to cultural revival, they are not only preserving their heritage but also shaping a more inclusive and equal future for native communities.

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EPA Policy on Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribes ... , Feb. 2016, www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016- 02/documents/tribal_treaty_rights_guidance_for_discussing_tribal_treaty_rights.pdf. Schermerhorn, S. (2016). Walkers and their Staffs: O’odham Walking Sticks by Way of Calendar Sticks and Scraping Sticks. Material Religion , 12 (4), 476–500. https://doi.org/10.1080/17432200.2016.1227643 Wilcox, M. (2010). Marketing conquest and the vanishing Indian. Journal of Social Archaeology , 10 (1), 92–117. https://doi.org/10.1177/1469605309354399

NAS Paper 1

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