Empowerment, Engagement, and Outreach: Evidence From a Photovoice Project in an American Indian Community

• In Event: Indigenous and Decolonizing Research Methodologies When Knowing Is Not Enough

Abstract

Photovoice—a community based participatory research method—puts cameras in the hands of community members, asks them to document their realities through photography and explanations of photos. The initial project (2008) examined Head Start’s role in the lives and communities of American Indian Head Start staff from Michigan’s tribes. Based on personal communication with participants and knowledge of project’s impact, researchers decided to conduct a reexamination of data and additional analysis focused on ideas of empowerment, engagement and outreach. Overall impact of this photovoice project has been far-reaching. Empowerment, engagement, and outreach, as a result of photovoice, has led to improved facilities, acquisition of materials, formation of relationships that further supports culturally and developmentally appropriate practice for American Indian children.

Authors

• Nicole L. Thompson, The University of Memphis

• Nicole C. Miller, Mississippi State University