Indigenous Perspectives Enhance Western Research Methods in Canada

Researchers at the University of Alberta have successfully integrated Indigenous perspectives into their study of the relationships between Indigenous communities and mining companies in Canada. This collaboration involved non-Indigenous scholars Maggie Cascadden, Emily Block, and Devereaux Jennings, who initially struggled to present their findings. Their breakthrough came when they connected with François Bastien, a member of the Huron-Wendat Nation and an academic at the University of Victoria.

In early 2022, Bastien delivered a lecture at the University of Alberta, which prompted the trio to seek his guidance. They were looking for a way to enrich their research, moving beyond conventional data analysis. Bastien, who is an associate professor and associate dean for Indigenous initiatives at the Gustavson School of Business, emphasized the importance of relationship-building. “At the beginning, most of our conversations weren’t about the paper,” Bastien noted. Instead, they focused on developing a collaborative rapport that would inform their research.

As their discussions evolved, Bastien was entrusted with a draft of their article. He provided thoughtful feedback, fostering a reciprocal exchange that prioritized collaboration over mere data extraction. Bastien explained, “We were moving away from extracting data and generating knowledge toward co-creation.”

This shift was pivotal. Bastien introduced the concept of storytelling as a means to enhance understanding. He argued that each Indigenous community has its own unique history and culture, which should be reflected in the research findings. To illustrate this idea, he proposed a metaphor comparing community decision-making processes to both grass baskets and metal frames. Metal frames represent rigid Western constructs, while grass baskets symbolize the diverse materials and cultural nuances inherent to each community.

The authors conveyed this metaphor in their forthcoming paper in the Journal of Management Studies, scheduled for publication in June 2025. They stated, “The result is an interconnected web of nonlinear, braided threads that work together to absorb and react in different ways to the weight and size of the object placed in the basket.” This analogy provided clarity on how specific cultural and historical contexts influenced the likelihood of community engagement with outside corporations.

For example, communities with a rich history of language preservation and cultural entrepreneurship are more inclined to partner with mining companies compared to those experiencing significant language loss and diminished inter-nation connections. This nuanced understanding illustrates how Indigenous knowledge can complement Western methodologies, resulting in more impactful research.

Bastien emphasized the complexity of this collaborative process, stating, “In identifying the patterns, we had to deal with complexity. It was extremely iterative, and we didn’t accomplish something in every meeting.” The iterative nature of their work allowed them to weave together Indigenous and Western knowledge, reconciling different worldviews. Initially, the researchers approached their topic through a Western lens, while Bastien framed the discussion within the context of Turtle Island, a term used by many Indigenous peoples to refer to North America.

Cascadden’s leadership throughout this process was instrumental. Bastien praised her ability to navigate the complexities of collaboration, noting, “With her deep sense of what an ally is, what an accomplice is in this setting, Maggie led the process brilliantly.” He further reflected on the overall experience, stating, “It began in a good way, and it ended in a good way.”

The success of this endeavor underscores the potential benefits of integrating Indigenous perspectives into academic research. By fostering genuine relationships and engaging in co-creation, researchers can produce findings that are not only significant in their implications but also resonate deeply with the communities involved. This approach highlights a path forward for collaborative research that honors diverse cultural perspectives while generating meaningful insights.