ABSTRACT

This chapter seeks to explore the relational participatory action research (PAR) frameworks that have been developed to allow non-Indigenous researchers, along with Indigenous coresearcher participants, to learn and honor Indigenous stories. Specifically, in the context of PAR research in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh, we outline: (a) potential challenges between Indigenous research paradigms and Western research paradigms, (b) the situation of the non-Indigenous researcher in relation to the Indigenous community, (c) challenges associated with the non-Indigenous researcher’s selection of a research site, (d) collaboration throughout the research process, and (e) the processes of developing and maintaining responsibilities. The aim is not to offer simple answers to such challenges but to highlight the manner in which such processes can be addressed. This chapter may provide practical insight for future non-Indigenous researchers working with Indigenous communities through a participatory sharing process with Indigenous coresearcher participants, Elders, leaders, Knowledge-holders, and youth.