Suggested Guidelines for Institutions with Scholars Who Conduct Research on American Indians

Abstract

Since contact, non-Indians have been fascinated with American Indians, and they continue to explore almost every aspect of Indians' cultures and physiologies. Library shelves contain vast collections of books with American Indian themes. The majority of books and articles, in addition to movies, television shows, and documentaries, have been written and produced by non-Indians (some of whom attempt to pass themselves off as Indians) who have been educated and trained to conduct research by other non-Indians. Although most non-Indian scholars respect the peoples and cultures they study, many do not. Intrusive research of American Indians and publication of information that tribes do not wish disseminated to the general public constitute a major source of interracial conflict. Dissension between those who desire to keep their cultures sheltered from curious interlopers and those who cry academic freedom undermines the credibility of all scholarly studies. University tenure and promotion processes exacerbate the problem. Most university faculty members are encouraged to

Dwelling at the margins, action at the intersection? Feminist and indigenous archaeologies, 2005

“…It is an attempt to offer ways of doing Indigenous research that contribute primarily to the need for survival of Indigenous communities and individuals. Her sample of some 25 projects (Smith 1999)--from writing to representing, connecting, restoring, and others--offers excellent guidelines for how to think about what one is doing in any research project, from start to finish (see also Craven 1996;Mihesuah 1993).…”

Protecting the Navajo people through tribal regulation of research

“…This means that both researcher and community must respect each other's social, political and cultural structures. 5,8 What one culture might consider as respectful might not be so for another culture. Researchers also need to be aware of the historical treatment of the community in order to respond appropriately.…”

“…5 Informed consent: The entire process of the project, any harms and benefits that may occur to individuals or to the community, as well as any plans to publish, must be conveyed to individuals and community representatives. 5 There may, however, be a tension between communal and individual consent as official Native American bodies, like all representative institutions, are unlikely to adequately reflect the views of all members of a particular tribe. It has been suggested that researchers should seek consent from leaders that represent the community at large and not those who represent a subgroup.…”

“…It has been suggested that researchers should seek consent from leaders that represent the community at large and not those who represent a subgroup. 5 In the case of the Navajo Nation, this entails, as will be discussed further, approval from the Navajo Government, approval from the chapter house (the local government), and from the individual.…”

“…Many suspect that communities may be affected by research in different ways than are individuals. [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] For example, many Native American communities have complained about researchers who: 1) do not understand the problems in their communities, 2) are condescending, 3) stereotype the community in their publications, 4) do not give back to the community and/or 5) conduct research in their communities without adequately respecting cultural norms. Once the researchers leave, the communities are left to themselves to resolve any problems left behind by the research.…”