Experiences of a Maori Researcher: Managing Dual Accountabilities in Indigenous Research

• In Event: Roundtable Session 99
  In Roundtable Session: Which River Metaphor Is Yours: Culturally Responsive and Socially Responsible Methodologies

Abstract

Ngati Awa is my tribe. Literally translated I am a descendant of the river people. The Whakatane River is rich in historical and cultural associations connecting landmarks, with people and events over time. These connections are made explicit in my pepeha, a subjectivity statement which is a cultural protocol used at the commencement of one’s engagement with others. My pepeha defines my specific existence within this geographic location and acknowledges a place where traditional cultural, spiritual, political dimensions have timelessly intersected.
Whakatane te awa Whakatane is my river
Te Mānukatūtahi te whenua Mānukatūtahi is the land area
Ko Kāpu-te-Rangi te maunga Kapu-te-Rangi is the surrounding hill
Mataatua te waka Mataatua the canoe
Ngāti Awa te iwi Ngāti Awa the tribe
Ko Toroa te tipuna Toroa is the chief
Ko Te Whare o Toroa te marae Te Whare o Toroa is the marae
Ka puta ko Wairaka Wairaka was his daughter
Ko Wairaka te whare tipuna Wairaka is the meeting house

This paper illustrates how I, as an indigenous Māori researcher, developed a better understanding of culturally responsive research principles and practices by listening to a group of tribal leaders. These understandings have application in both cultural and institutional settings. I have learned as a Māori researcher that developing understandings from tribal leaders requires me to maintain cultural responsibilities and accountabilities in the engaging with, gathering, representing and reporting processes. At the same time I know that my research must be undertaken in ways that meet the requirements of the western academy. These two parallel operating systems are continually being negotiated throughout the research process. How these dual accountabilities are respectfully and responsibly managed, so as to understand the rich knowledge of each participant, is exemplified in this chapter through experiences presented as vignettes. By reflecting on my own relationships and experiences with selected tribal leaders, I have been able to further develop my own cultural knowledge and understandings while at the same time engage safely with others in research being undertaken from mainstream institutions.

Author

• Te Arani Barrett, University of Waikato