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"The practice of academically certified punctuation distances me from my sense of space-time and natural speech patterns including translated ones separating me from my connection with the earth and its natural rhythms the a-priori presumption being that the written word is of paramount worth" (Cole, 2010).
"One distinction between Western and Indigenous research methods lies in the latter’s purpose: research done in collaboration with Indigenous Peoples cannot only reveal knowledge, but also [must] decolonize, rebalance power, and provide healing... Broadly, Indigenous methods should include methods that are culturally relevant and can serve beyond data collection to create relationships and support autonomy" (Drawson et al, 2017).
"Research from an Indigenous paradigm should aim to be authentic or credible. By that, I mean that the research must accurately reflect and build upon the relationships between ideas and participants. The analysis must be true to the voices of all the participants and reflect an understanding of the topic that is shared by researchers and participants alike. In other words, it has to hold to relational accountability" (Wilson, 2009).
Image: Dr. Val Napoleon is an Indigenous professor of Aboriginal Justice and Governance at the University of Victoria. Photo by Elizabeth Raymer
"Local and indigenous knowledge refers to the understandings, skills and philosophies developed by societies with long histories of interaction with their natural surroundings. For rural and indigenous peoples, local knowledge informs decision-making about fundamental aspects of day-to-day life. This knowledge is integral to a cultural complex that also encompasses language, systems of classification, resource use practices, social interactions, ritual and spirituality" (UNESCO, n.d.).
Masons, Tricksters and Cartographers (Scientific and Indigenous Knowledge) by 
A Day with Yayah by
Set in the Nicola Valley, British Columbia, in Canada's westernmost province, a First Nations family goes on an outing to forage for herbs and mushrooms. A grandmother passes down her knowledge of plant life and the natural world to her young grandchildren.
Long Powwow Nights by
The Powwow is a time-honored Native American custom. It is a celebration of life and spirituality, a remembrance of traditions, uniting a people through dance and ritual. Long Powwow Nights takes you on a wonderful journey, honoring these mystical dancers who keep their traditions alive through dance and song. In its poetic verses, David Bouchard skillfully narrates the story of a mother's dedication to her roots and her efforts to impress upon her child the importance of culture and identity. Internationally revered Native American artist, Leonard Paul, brings the story alive with his beautiful renditions of powwow dancers, warriors, and stunning landscape. The book is accompanied by a CD, which includes music by internationally acclaimed singer and songwriter, Buffy Sainte- Marie.
The Medicine Wheel Stories of a Hoop Dancer by
"Medicine Wheel: Stories of a Hoop Dancer" is a published children's book written by Teddy Anderson, a professional hoop dancer of the First Nation's style who has performed in 20 countries across the world. His performances, as well as the book, teach the concept of inclusion using the First Nation's symbol of the Medicine Wheel. Following a young boy who is listening to the stories of his Mooshum (Grandfather), "Medicine Wheel: Stories of a Hoop Dancer" encourages children to connect with the symbol and understand inclusion of all cultures by learning along with this young boy and his friends who come to hear the story from across the world. Accompanied by vibrant illustrations from an illustrator who has done extensive work for Pixar and Disney, "Medicine Wheel: Stories of a Hoop Dancer" engages children and allows them to start relating to the world in new and exciting ways.
Oral traditions and storytelling by
"Explores the role of storytelling in Indigenous culture and how they are keeping their oral traditions alive for future generations."
The seven sacred teachings of White Buffalo Calf Woman by
The Seven Sacred Teachings is a message of traditional values and hope for the future. The Teachings are universal to most First Nation peoples. These Teachings are aboriginal communities from coast to coast. They are a link that ties First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities together.
Spirituality by
"Explores the spiritual and ceremonial customs of Indigenous Peoples, the changes they faced when Europeans arrived in North America as well as recent efforts to re-introduce banned practices."
Trudy's Rock Story by
A timeless story that will always help our students and children connect with Nature.  When a young girl from the Gitxsan Nation argues with her brother, she remembers the teachings of her grandmother and goes in search of a stone to share her feelings with. This engaging First Nation's story teaches children that it is okay to have feelings and shows them how to process and release negative thoughts.
“Research by and for Indigenous Peoples, using techniques and methods drawn from the tradition and knowledges of those people” (Evans et.al, 2008). These techniques include recognition of the colonial past and of Indigenous Peoples experiences, resistance to colonial narratives, and resurgence of Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Being, among others.
Research and reconciliation : unsettling ways of knowing through indigenous relationships by "Indigenous data sovereignty refers to the right of Indigenous peoples to control data from and about their communities and lands, articulating both individual and collective rights to data access and to privacy" (Raine et.al, 2019).
