Short introduction to week 1 of Ed 611N, Introduction to Educational Research, for the Nunavut MEd offered by the University of PEI

1. Research in a Postcolonial Context Ed 611N • Introduction to Educational Research Methods Week 1 • January 4-11, 2011

2. Leadership in Postcolonial Education

3. A Range of Texts

4. Get acquainted with the goals and expectations of Ed 611N Get used to working together in Knowledge Forum Reacquaint ourselves with some of the language and issues of leadership in postcolonial education and think about how they apply to research This week in Ed 611N

5. “The word itself, ‘research’, is probably one of the dirtiest words in the indigenous world’s vocabulary. …it stirs up silence, it conjures up bad memories, it raises a smile that is knowing and distrustful. The ways in which scientific research is implicated in the worst excesses of colonialism remains a powerful remembered history… that still offends the deepest sense of our humanity.” Decolonizing Methodologies, p. 1. The Dirtiest Word?

6. “While rhetorically the indigenous movement may be encapsulated within the politics of self-determination it is a much more dynamic and complex movement which incorporates many dimensions, some of which are still unfolding. It involves a revitalization and reformulation of culture and tradition, an increased participation in and articulate rejection of Western institutions, a focus on strategic relations and alliances with non-indigenous groups.” Decolonizing Methodologies, p. 110. The indigenous movement

7. “While some communities focused primarily on cultural revitalization, others, either as separate organizations or as small groups of individuals, became much more intent on engaging in reorganizing political relations with the state.” Decolonizing Methodologies, p. 111 Cultural or Political?

8. The Indigenous Research Agenda “Self-determination in a research agenda becomes something more than a political goal. It becomes a goal of social justice which is expressed through and across a wide range of psychological, social, cultural and economic terrains.” Decolonizing Methodologies, p. 116.

9. You will find the thinking you’ve done and the notes you’ve taken while going through this short presentation useful for this week’s reading and writing assignment. You’ll find the details in Knowledge Forum. ᑕᐃᒪ! This week’s work…