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Dismantling the Colonial Gaze: Towards a Praxis of Decolonised Indigenous Research
1. Introduction
The universal claim to knowledge production, long dominated by Western epistemologies, has
historically served to marginalize and invalidate other ways of knowing, particularly those of
Indigenous peoples (Smith, 2021). This hegemonic approach, a direct legacy of colonialism, has not
only misrepresented Indigenous communities but has also been instrumental in their continued
subjugation. In response, the movement for decolonising research has emerged as a critical and
necessary intellectual and ethical project. It seeks to challenge and dismantle the power structures
embedded within conventional research paradigms, advocating for methodologies that are respectful,
ethical, and truly relevant to the communities they involve (Chilisa, 2019).
This discussion delves into the concept of decolonised research, positioning it as a fundamental shift
from studying the "Other" to conducting research with and by Indigenous peoples, guided by their
own worldviews and aspirations. To build a comprehensive understanding, this discussion will first
define the key concepts of colonisation, decolonisation, Indigenous research, and the
Afro-perspective, before establishing a clear definition of decolonised research itself. The core of the
discussion will then explore the critical considerations necessary for its application, including
participatory methodologies, language, healing, and ethical ownership. By examining these practical
and philosophical considerations, alongside the inherent challenges, this analysis aims to contribute
to a more just and transformative research practice that actively unsilences marginalised voices and
fosters intellectual sovereignty.
Dismantling the Colonial Gaze: Towards a Praxis of Decolonised Indigenous Research
1. Introduction
The universal claim to knowledge production, long dominated by Western epistemologies, has
historically served to marginalize and invalidate other ways of knowing, particularly those of
Indigenous peoples (Smith, 2021). This hegemonic approach, a direct legacy of colonialism, has not
only misrepresented Indigenous communities but has also been instrumental in their continued
subjugation. In response, the movement for decolonising research has emerged as a critical and
necessary intellectual and ethical project. It seeks to challenge and dismantle the power structures
embedded within conventional research paradigms, advocating for methodologies that are respectful,
ethical, and truly relevant to the communities they involve (Chilisa, 2019).
This discussion delves into the concept of decolonised research, positioning it as a fundamental shift
from studying the "Other" to conducting research with and by Indigenous peoples, guided by their
own worldviews and aspirations. To build a comprehensive understanding, this discussion will first
define the key concepts of colonisation, decolonisation, Indigenous research, and the
Afro-perspective, before establishing a clear definition of decolonised research itself. The core of the
discussion will then explore the critical considerations necessary for its application, including
participatory methodologies, language, healing, and ethical ownership. By examining these practical
and philosophical considerations, alongside the inherent challenges, this analysis aims to contribute
to a more just and transformative research practice that actively unsilences marginalised voices and
fosters intellectual sovereignty.
