Researching Communities: Communities Researching

• In Event: Mana ’Ulu: Indigenous Action—Feeding Our Communities, Feeding Families

Abstract

Linda Smith (1999) once posed the question "what happens to research when the researched become the researchers"? As an indigenous researcher within the New Zealand context, I would have to claim that they change it, resulting in demystification, accessibility and understanding for those who were once perceived as the researched group.
This paper will explore what happens to research…and the ramifications more fully for Maori (indigenous) community education and research, when they become knowledgeable about research. It will argue that community research has moved beyond individual tribal members 'researching communities', to one where whole communities are becoming research active. In terms of an educative process, the result is the empowerment of communities about research processes and activities.

Author

• Patricia Maringi Gina Johnston, Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi