Planting Stories, Feeding Communities: Knowledge, Indigenous Peoples and Film
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Authors
Chaput, Paul Joseph Andre
Date
2015-12-08
Type
thesis
Language
eng
Keyword
Indigenous Film and Stories , Native Studies , Ontario , Reporting Academic Findings to Indigenous Communities
Alternative Title
Abstract
This dissertation, a companion to the documentary film Planting Stories, Feeding Communities, explores how film can be used to transmit information generated by an Indigenous community during research and return it in a manner that most closely approximates the multi-sensorial scope of the oral tradition. Of all modern forms of communication, I argue that film is the medium that lies closest to the mode of Indigenous storytelling. My dissertation explores film as a means of reporting findings back to the Six Nations of the Grand River First Nation, whose members played key roles in the history of Native Studies in Ontario – hitherto the focus of my MA research. Throughout, the most pertinent question has remained: What are the “best practices” – under the current circumstances – that can be put in place to ensure that colonial approaches, imposition of harmful outside authority foremost of all, are not perpetuated?
Bridging the gulf between my Indigenous and European ancestry requires a leap of faith from both sides. Lee Maracle, a writer of the Stó:lō Nation, describes the dilemma as “a basket in the middle of the bridge into which each side can contribute their accumulated light and teachings” (SAGE Writing Retreat, February 22, 2014). My contribution to the basket, I trust, is acceptance of a number of best practices revealed through collaborative research, which might contribute to increased transmission of academic findings to Indigenous communities.
Procedures rooted in community-based participatory research (CBPR) offer an array of best practices that proved pivotal to maintaining a balanced relationship between the researcher and those who are researched, ensuring that (as much as possible) control of the process rests with the community. Members of Six Nations expressed their opinions on camera in (i) a Community Circle and (ii) interviews with the key subjects. Subsequently, we collaborated to create a film to tell their story. “Best practices,” therefore, highlight ways in which film as a means of pedagogy can be used to transmit information to Indigenous communities in a manner that resembles and echoes the oral tradition.
Description
Thesis (Ph.D, Geography) -- Queen's University, 2015-12-03 23:19:44.735
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Queen's University's Thesis/Dissertation Non-Exclusive License for Deposit to QSpace and Library and Archives Canada
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Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
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ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.