worldviews in transition : the changing nature of the lake nipigon anishinabek metis
abstract
in northwestern ontario (nwo) there is a need to assure a more complete
understanding of the indigenous voice. the researcher, who examined existing theories
and research methodologies in sociology, determined that these frameworks of the
world have difficulty conceptualizing indigenous-based cultural worldviews. this
impedes adequate awareness and understanding of this population. this study was an
exploration into the need to develop alternatives to the standard sociological theories.
the researcher argued that it is only by exploring alternative theoretical frameworks that
we can develop and create awareness and understanding of other cultures. an
indigenous, culturally based theoretical framework was used to explore the personal
standpoint of the lake nipigon anishinabek metis, as represented by the writings of one
of its elders. the anishinabek metis worldview and ways of learning about the world
was revealed and described in these stories. this way of learning about the world
through stones and story telling has been documented by other disciplines such as
anthropology. what is unique about this study is that the researcher is interpreting these
stories from her culturally based vantage point the researcher uses her subjectivity
and experience to assist in the interpretation process of the stories told. it is intended
that this, utilizing an indigenous-based theoretical framework and examining it by using
an indigenous voice will create an awareness and understanding of this population in
nwo.
collections
- retrospective theses [1604]