Diné Youth Define Community: Researching Through an Indigenous Methodology, Theorizing Through a Diné Framework

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

Abstract

In this qualitative study, the researcher asks Diné youth how they define community and what types of community and school partnerships they would identify to support their academic success. The researcher worked collaboratively with four Diné youth participants through an indigenous social constructionist methodology. Findings were based on individual interviews, talking circles and the researcher’s discussion of participants’ responses through a framework of k’é. K’é is the Diné concept of recognizing and maintaining harmonious relationships and all the positive virtues that should be inherent within a family. The researcher works with the participants throughout the entire process and utilizes a Diné philosophy of community as the framework.

Author

• Hollie Anderson Kulago, Elmira College