A dialogue and reflection on photohistory: Engaging indigenous communities in research through visual analysis

Abstract

Attempts at capturing observations and concerns of change in the Canadian north (sub-Arctic, Arctic) have been mostly conducted through interviews and focus groups spearheaded by researchers. Indeed, images depicting change in the north, when utilized at all, are mostly used to confirm and illustrate the findings derived from researchers. Rarely are local depictions of change used in these interpretations. The purpose of this Notes from the field is to discuss the application of a methodology we term ‘photohistory’ in a study examining visual depictions of cultural and environmental changes in the Moose Cree and MoCreebec First Nations in northern Ontario, Canada. This process of active engagement fosters past reclamation of old photographs while encouraging the discovery of new research directions and partnerships. The application of photohistory in a First Nations located in northern Canada, and subsequent refinement of the methodology for future studies, are discussed.

Struggling with/against the unintentional reproduction of power structures in participatory research: Using reconstructive horizon analysis

“…Such projects can evoke deeply personal details and traumatic experiences (Burles & Thomas, 2014; Cooper, 2017) and can even make participants targets of ridicule or physical harm as they expose community problems and challenge the status quo (Dentith et al., 2012; Prins, 2010; Zenkov et al., 2014). Participation can lead to very real risks for vulnerable subjects, such as survivors of civil war (Prins, 2010), indigenous peoples (Lemelin et al., 2013), lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) youth (Holtby et al., 2015), individuals with disabilities (Woolhouse, 2019), and immigrant and refugee children (Guerrero & Tinkler, 2010).…”

Communities and change in the anthropocene: understanding social-ecological vulnerability and planning adaptations to multiple interacting exposures

“…Fourth, better incorporation of multiple exposures into analysis of vulnerability will lead to more effective vulnerability research and adaptation policy (Leichenko and O'Brien 2008;Brklacich et al 2009;Bunce et al 2010a;Smith et al 2013;Bennett et al 2014b). Many vulnerability assessments rely on large-scale and top-down studies using predetermined indicators that make implicit assumptions about the nature of changes being experienced.…”

Guiding principles for indigenous research practices

“…Indigenous paradigm lenses allow for hidden, glazed over, or silenced stories of the oppressed to move forefront. For example, Lemelin et al (2013) used appreciative inquiry to engage indigenous communities through visual analysis to create a more culturally relevant and respectful photo history of First Nations communities in Canada. Additionally, Hsia (2006) helped foreign brides stigmatized in mainstream Taiwanese society to develop confidence and personal identity leading to social transformation through praxis-oriented research.…”