Voiceless Narratives of Indigenous Living Systems: The Use of Digital Tools for Ethnographic Research

Voiceless Narratives of Indigenous Living Systems: The Use of Digital Tools for Ethnographic Research

Suma Parahakaran
Copyright: © 2022 |Pages: 15
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-6684-4190-9.ch008
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Abstract

This chapter will analyse indigenous knowledge's significance in sustainability for climate change. There is a pattern that demonstrates that there are connections between bigger life systems and other causes or occurrences which require constant engagement with nature and generational knowledge. Indigenous peoples employed totems, symbols, and messages to transmit their understanding of natural phenomena, causes, repercussions, and conservation measures. The study examines the use of digital ethnography to maintain both knowledge and experiences. The research also aims to bring new insights into systemic thinking and philosophical elements that influence ethical actions. In the name of globalisation, place-based contextual issues have been marginalised, reducing the local value that is distinctive to geographical places. The theory of change (TOC) informs here with an in-depth understanding of the philosophical concepts and systemic thinking.
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Introduction

This chapter explores the significance of using digital ethnography research in indigenous groups. Research on Indigenous cultures have gained attention in the past decade. Knowledge evaluations previously were conducted from a Western perspective based on scientific methods which are not interdisciplinary in nature. Research was skewed to discrete disciplinary ways of knowing and less about systemic thinking. There are more research interests on indigenous ways of dealing with health and the holistic ways of living which contributes to sustainable living systems today.

This chapter will also elaborate on the challenges and strengths faced while using digital ethnography and how the Theory of Change can be used to provide a supportive framework for research and narratives related to Indigenous communities. Although Theory of Change is not a proven theory applied to ethnographic research, there is hope that Digital ethnography will be able to provide a framework to explore, preserve and facilitate information in the form of verbal, visual and rich narrative discourses.

Key Terms in this Chapter

Theory of Change: It emphasizes on local contexts and enables designing and exploring contexts depending on how the local conditions are tailored. The fact that climate change is global, but the changes have to be made local. This theory reflects that the theory of change is one of the best approaches to design and evaluate climate change adaptation reason being it involves a multi-disciplinary approach and is long term focus.

Indigenous Holism: It is a spiritual view of knowing which is experiential and practised for a long time. These practices informed the more scientific world that their relationships with nature was part of their life and their lived experiences amid the indigenous communities.

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