ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors explore the various aspects of enacting Indigenous research with our Dine communities; particularly centering Dine epistemology in their studies. They focus on the emotional components of “not knowing enough” and the multifaceted impact of “uncovering colonization in Western research.” Inherent in Indigenous knowledge systems is a deep spiritual connection to Indigenous lands and sacred places; therefore, Indigenous knowledges can never be standardized. Indigenous research protocols have been developed within the past two decades to protect research participants in Indigenous communities from ethical misconduct. Dine Indigenous knowledge and epistemology, Sa’ah Naaghai Bik’eh Hozhoon, are grounded in unique ways of knowing, perceiving and interpreting the world that are quite distinct from the Western worldview. Also, Indigenous researchers may serve as “a bridge” as they are in an academic space while also embodying Indigenous knowledge systems.
