Indigenous Elder-centered methodology: research that decolonizes and indigenizes

Maria C. Crouch, Steffi M. Kim, Zayla Asquith-Heinz, Elyse Decker, Nyché T. Andrew, Jordon P. Lewis, Rosellen M. Rosich

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Indigenous research posits that practice-based evidence is fundamental to culturally grounded, multifaceted methods. The objective is to outline the key tenets and characteristics of Elder-centered research and relevant methodology using an interconnected progression of Alaska Native studies. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 Alaska Native Elders, 21 Alaska Native caregivers, and 12 Alaska Native and non-Native caregivers in two studies exploring cultural understandings of memory and successful aging. The design and implementation of these studies employed Elders at every level, ensuring cultural relevance, outcomes, and dissemination. Results reflect the benefits of engaging Alaska Native Elders in research and reveal methods for best practices: (a) creating advisory councils, (b) identifying stakeholders, (c) weaving together Elder and western knowledge systems, and (d) the reciprocal nature of Elder engagement and well-being. This research centers Indigenous values and research for an Elder-centered methodology that encourages engagement of older adults in applicable, meaningful, restorative, and enculturated ways.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)447-456
Number of pages10
JournalAlterNative
Volume19
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2023

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© The Author(s) 2023.

Keywords

  • Alaska Native
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • aging
  • dementia

PubMed: MeSH publication types

  • Journal Article

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