Sustainable Mixteco/Indígena Research Methodology: Toward Equal-Status Stakeholder and Indigenous Collaboration

• In Event: Hilton Roundtable Session 1
  In Roundtable Session: Decolonizing Methodological Norms

Abstract

Research processes led and undertaken by Indigenous people serving their communities is qualitatively different. This inquiry chronicles the journey toward the development of Indigenous research methodology by Indigenous researchers from within a migant Oaxacan, Mexican Indigenous community in Oxnard, California. Research was located in a non-profit organization funded by the State of California’s Mental Health Services Association (MHSA). Aims were to validate, integrate, and celebrate Mixteco/Indígena healing practices within the community to counter symptoms and effects of stress, anxiety, and depression among 20,000 people impacted. Findings indicate the importance of understanding that authentic stakeholder Indigenous collaboration may be the provision of Indigenous communities with educational resources and personnel to assist the pursuit of research sustaining Indigenous ways of being.

Authors

• Lorri J. Santamaría, California Lutheran University

• Adriana Diego, Mixteco Indígena Community Organizing Project (MICOP)

• Liliana Manriquez, Mixteco Indígena Community Organising Project (MICOP)

• Alberta Salazar, Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP)

• Luisa Salazar Leon, Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP)

• Silvia Garcia, Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP)