Voices From a Southwestern Tribe: A Critical Analysis on the Impact of Colonization, Assimilation, and Language Loss Across Generations

• In Event: Native American Women Scholars: Exploring Lived Experience Through Applied Indigenous Research Methodologies and Traditional Knowledge

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to provide a critical analysis on the impact of colonization and assimilation on a Southwestern Tribe through narratives across generations. Participants shared experiences and stories of everyday interactions which provide language learning and transmission, impact of policies and practices from residential schools, and historical intergenerational trauma. The research design included portraiture, narrative inquiry, tribal values, and circling back to ensure that the voices of participants were honored, ceremonial practices were respected and protected, and reciprocal relationality was maintained throughout the research process. By doing so, allowed participants to review collected data, discuss findings and add or change information that is not to be shared outside the tribal community. It also provides those tribal members participating in the study to ensure their voice is accurately represented throughout the research process. The findings from this study call for new approaches that cultivate learning opportunities to support language development among this Southwestern tribe which is centered around sociocultural opportunities, different modalities, and community socialization for all generations.

Author

• Haeyalyn Muniz, University of Oregon
  Presenting Author