Kaandossiwin: How We Come to Know

by Kathleen E. Absolon (Minogiizhigokwe)

Indigenous methodologies have been silenced and obscured by the Western scientific means of knowledge production. In a challenge to this colonialist rejection of Indigenous knowledge, Anishinaabe researcher Kathleen Absolon examines the academic work of fourteen Indigenous scholars who utilize Indigenous worldviews in their search for knowing. Through an examination not only of their work but also of their experience in producing that work, Kaandossiwin describes how Indigenous researchers re-theorize and re-create methodologies. Understanding Indigenous methodologies as guided by Indigenous paradigms, worldviews, principles, processes and contexts, Absolon argues that they are wholistic, relational, inter-relational and interdependent with Indigenous philosophies, beliefs and ways of life. In exploring the ways Indigenous researchers use Indigenous methodologies within mainstream academia, Kaandossiwin renders these methods visible and helps to guard other ways of knowing from colonial repression.
Due to a printing error, the last page of Kaandossiwin was not included in the book. Please download a pdf version of this page. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience.

Genres: Indigenous, Nonfiction

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another crucial book on Indigenous methodologies and pedagogical approaches to research which has guided my own research intentions. Absolon utilizes the petal flower as metaphor for how we obtain knowledge ("how we come to know"). Indigenous methodologies centres knowledge as wholistic which includes the mind, heart, and spirit as opposed to just the mind in Western/dominant research. Additionally, the author emphasizes a relational knowledge approach to research as researchers working in collaboration with Indigenous peoples/communities as research participants, we are accountable and responsible to our research participants during every step of the research process.

[Martha Elias Downey · Rating 5 out of 5]

So refreshing and eye-opening! Based on a doctoral dissertation on Indigenous ways of knowing. Essential reading for anyone in the academy or in education and writing spaces.