Paper short abstract:

This paper redefines Indigenous art as locally-specific knowledge production. As co-researchers, Native artists carried out observations, made culturally nuanced interpretations of findings, and generated community-accessible reports via their chosen artistic medium and cultural symbology.

Paper long abstract:

Western research abuses enacted on Indigenous communities provide evidence of knowledge-producing methods embedded in racist systems. Even well-intended health disparities research perpetuates stigma and reinforces the status quo rather than shifting towards equity. Yet, Western-based research is a primary codified tool that opens access to monetary resources needed by Native communities to overcome negative impacts of oppression and colonization. Researchers encounter community members’ resistance through statements about survey exhaustion, lack of culturally appropriate data collection methods, and report findings with little cultural relevance. Flipping the paradigm entails consideration of knowledge production that exists distinct from European-derived knowledge systems. Native communities continue to build on generational wisdom through such avenues as language preservation, traditional practices, ceremonies, storytelling and Native arts. We provide an example of re-defining Indigenous art as locally specific expressions of knowledge production. As co-researchers, Native artists carried out observations, made culturally nuanced interpretations of findings, and generated community-accessible reports via their chosen artistic medium and culturally significant symbology. Some immediate unexpected results included measurement of emotional, cultural and spiritual project impacts, enhanced local project accountability, and unguarded conversations about project strengths and challenges. Upending the artificial divide between Native art and Western science would: validate traditional forms of knowledge production, ensure locally accessible and relevant research findings, propel change through community-centered communication, and support long-term sustainability of research efforts. Next steps will be developing a conceptual model for Native-based health communication methods (visual arts, digital storytelling) that can be integrated into emancipatory research and become tools of sovereignty.