Visual Representation: Dissemination of Indigenous Research

• In Event: Millennium Hotel Roundtable Session 10
  In Roundtable Session: Indigenous Visual Methods: Challenging Settler Structures Through Images, Movement, and Participatory Research

Abstract

Imagery and visual representation are harmoniously woven within the fabric of the Indigenous oral culture (Trudeau, 2013). It is for this reason that imagery and visual representation must be taken into consideration as situated within Indigenous research.

This paper acknowledges the aforementioned by focusing primarily on dissemination in research realms and delving into what this can look like. Mainstream academia and research spheres are saturated in text-laden pedagogy and methodologies in which many Indigenous learners and researchers have not been successful within this superstructure. However, offering culturally appropriate outlets provides space for all researchers to participate, speaking to and presenting topics to give an authentic portrayal of the research that is undertaken. Essential questions included: why is the relationship between imagery and disseminating research significant? And how has this been done successfully? I give voice to and illustrate research that has been disseminated successfully when done in this manner.

In this paper, I draw from my involvement in research projects that have used visual representation to illustrate a more culturally-detailed explanation (Curto et. al., 2017). I have fused traditional teachings and knowledge within new media techniques that draw on more than the proverbial reading and writing — this includes is the use of imagery to capture a more holistic approach. Indigenous ancestors left visible histories and teachings across the lands, as they are embedded literally within and upon Mother Earth. Thus, providing culturally sensitive accounts within educational research realms today can assist learning and the recognition of Indigenous people’s past of storytelling and historical use of imagery, in the hopes of moving forward in the spirit of reconciliation and authentic portrayal of research.

The scholarly significance of this presentation is to provide a space to honor how imagery has always been and continues to be an important aspect in Indigenous life. Therefore, educational realms need to acknowledge the significance this facet plays when it comes to how research is disseminated. It is a connection that speaks to and of our culture, enabling a mode of telling our past, engaging in our research methodologies and allowing for a culturally relevant outlet. The visual portrayal is an authentic representation for educational fields of research to help inform educators, facilitators, and researchers alike. In accordance, this presentation will contribute to educational research spheres as there is insufficient literature to either support or reject this idea.

Weaving traditional knowledge with arts-based technology and tools will further purport the idea of keeping Indigenous cultures alive and thriving. Alongside this, I provide a link between educational practice and research and the younger generations of Indigenous scholars and artists on the horizon who need to find a connection to become invested in education.

Author

• Lyn Trudeau, Brock University