Symbiotic Allegory as Innovative Indigenous Research Methodology

Area of Science:

• Indigenous Research Methods
• Qualitative Research
• Sociology

Background:

• Childhood experiences in American Indian boarding schools often involve trauma.
• Traditional Western research methods may not effectively engage Indigenous populations.
• There is a need for culturally relevant methodologies in social science research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce symbiotic allegory, an innovative research method.
• To facilitate the sharing of traumatic childhood boarding school experiences among Plains Indians.
• To emphasize the importance of culturally congruent research approaches.

Main Methods:

• Symbiotic allegory integrates traditional Indigenous practices (storytelling, Dream Catcher-Medicine Wheel, grounding ceremonies) with Western interview techniques.
• The method was designed by an American Indian Chippewa researcher.
• This approach aims to build trust and encourage candor.

Main Results:

• The symbiotic allegory method successfully evoked trust and candor among participants.
• Previously unvoiced traumatic stories of boarding school experiences were shared.
• The research highlights the effectiveness of insider-led, culturally adapted methodologies.

Conclusions:

• Research methodologies should incorporate the unique "ways of knowing" of the studied population.
• Researchers from within the studied community are best positioned to develop and implement effective methods.
• Symbiotic allegory offers a model for ethical and impactful research with Indigenous communities.