Indigenous Podcasting as Collaborative Research
Why podcasts?
Podcasting and Digital Inclusion
The Collaborative Podcasting Process
Applying The Model
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Decolonizing + Indigenizing Research Approaches
How podcasting increases accessibility
How podcasting as participatory action research works
Indigenous Podcasting in Libraries
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Why Podcasts?
Decolonizing Methodologies
Storytelling
Representing
Reframing
Putting individual and communal Indigenous voices, experiences, and knowledge first
Allowing people to share knowledge and ideas on their own terms
Community ownership of how Indigenous issues and ideas are shared
Smith, L. T. (1999). Decolonizing Methodologies : Research and Indigenous Peoples. Zed Books.
Decolonizing Methodologies
Sharing
Networking
Envisioning
Knowledge has a collective benefit; Asset based approach
Building community networks/relationships for survival; Connection to Network Sovereignty
Imagining Indigenous futures
Smith, L. T. (1999). Decolonizing Methodologies : Research and Indigenous Peoples. Zed Books.
Collaboration at Each Step
Informed COnsent
Community Review
Participatory Podcasting
Resource Sharing
Communal Research
The Importance of Audio
Aligned more closely with Indigenous oral traditions and research methods; academic writing is not privileged
Emphasis on storytelling and oral histories
Spoken language includes context not available in written language
“Walk Softly and Listen Carefully”
Podcasts encourage a research relationship with tribal communities where listening comes first.
NCAI Policy Research Center and MSU Center for Native Health Partnerships (2012 October 1). Walk Softly and Listen Carefully: Building Research Relationships with Tribal Communities. National Congress of American Indians. ncai.org/attachments/PolicyPaper_SpMCHTcjxRRjMEjDnPmesENPzjHTwhOlOWxlWOIWdSrykJuQggG_NCAI-WalkSoftly.pdf
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Podcasts & Digital Inclusion
“Less Scary” Technology
Podcasts are a technology that have a lower barrier to entry than many other born-digital works. People who are uncomfortable with computers can still participate.
Smaller Bandwidth
Podcasts require significantly less bandwidth than videos to listen to, making them more accessible to people in areas with limited/slow broadband service. Many podcast platforms also allow users to download episodes when they have access to the internet and listen offline later.
Accessibility
Podcasts provide an alternative format for information for people who are blind/low vision or have difficulty reading. They also can be enjoyed in situations when reading would not be possible.
Podcasting as a “Third Space”
Collaborative podcasting offers a communal space to learn about, discuss, and dream digital equity in Native communities.
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The Collaborative Podcasting Process
Podcast Structure
Podcast Equipment
Not only has podcasting become a popular library activity for staff and patrons alike, but audio equipment can also be used for oral histories, language revitalization projects, and music recording, extending project materiasl into long-term community resources
The Collaborative Podcasting Process
Create (written) audio log of recorded material; Re-listen to recordings, adding notes to log; Determine key themes and messages in consultation with editing team.
step 02: Review & Analysis
Record audio materials from which to craft the podcast (interviews, group dialogue, ambient and natural sounds).
step 01: Audio Collection
Day, L., Cunsolo, A., Castleden, H., Martin, D., Hart, C., Anaviapik-Soucie, T., Russell, G., Paul, C., Dewey, C., & Harper, S. L. (2017). The Expanding Digital Media Landscape of Qualitative and Decolonizing Research: Examining Collaborative Podcasting as a Research Method. MediaTropes, 7(1), 203–228.
The Collaborative Podcasting Process
Add narration, music, and natural ambient sounds to create textured soundscape and assist with pacing and context.
step 04: Sound Editing
Determine form and structure of podcast in consultation with editing team; Arrange component parts to create cohesive narrative; Further refine material.
step 03: Structure & Sequencing
Day, L., Cunsolo, A., Castleden, H., Martin, D., Hart, C., Anaviapik-Soucie, T., Russell, G., Paul, C., Dewey, C., & Harper, S. L. (2017). The Expanding Digital Media Landscape of Qualitative and Decolonizing Research: Examining Collaborative Podcasting as a Research Method. MediaTropes, 7(1), 203–228.
The Collaborative Podcasting Process
Share finalized podcast via website with dedicated webpage; Promotion via social and news media and conference presentations.
step 06: Public Release
Share draft with editing team, and all participants; Incorporate feedback.
step 05: Participant Review
Day, L., Cunsolo, A., Castleden, H., Martin, D., Hart, C., Anaviapik-Soucie, T., Russell, G., Paul, C., Dewey, C., & Harper, S. L. (2017). The Expanding Digital Media Landscape of Qualitative and Decolonizing Research: Examining Collaborative Podcasting as a Research Method. MediaTropes, 7(1), 203–228.
Podcast Examples
A series of podcasts recorded at a national Water Gathering event, featuring interviews with First Nations, Inuit, Métis and other Canadian water researchers about the need for diverse perspectives and knowledge systems around water crises.
A podcast dedicated to decolonizing researching through “learning how to listen.” Started by Jessica Hum, the podcast centers on using traditional oral storytelling and traditional environmental knowledge to discuss approaches to climate change, research, and media.