The Faculty for Graduate Research and Analysis at The College of the West Indies (The UWI) has launched an interdisciplinary community of researchers devoted to raised understanding and addressing the challenges confronted by regional indigenous communities. The brand new analysis cluster for Indigenous Research was launched on March 26.
Talking on the necessity for the pioneering initiative, Professional Vice-Chancellor Graduate Research Professor Aldrie Henry-Lee famous “The institution of a One UWI analysis cluster is pivotal for a number of causes. Indigenous communities, typically marginalised, often discover themselves excluded from analysis. This analysis cluster presents a singular alternative to raise Indigenous Peoples’ voices and views.”
Spearheaded by the College’s Institute of Gender Research and Growth (IGDS), College Director, Professor Diana Fox acknowledged that the formation of the analysis cluster on Indigenous Research alerts the amplification and enlargement of The UWI’s historical past of collaboration with Caribbean Indigenous Peoples. This partnership has manifested by analysis, conferences, and advocacy. The cluster will proceed these actions below an expansive moral and inclusive framework highlighting the priorities of Indigenous Peoples and adopting decolonial, anti-colonial, and postcolonial lenses—amongst others.
Dr Gabrielle Hosein of the IGDS Unit based mostly at St. Augustine Campus elaborated on the significance of ethics in analysis for and with Indigenous Peoples. She highlighted the importance of building moral protocols for analysis among the many communities. These protocols not solely underscore The UWI’s dedication to accountability and decoloniality but in addition function a mirrored image of its dedication to constructing collaborative partnerships grounded in these values. The moral protocols are being collaboratively developed by The UWI, the Caribbean Growth Financial institution (CDB), and the Indigenous Peoples Advisory Group in addition to Indigenous Peoples group researchers.
Kasikeíani (Chieftainess) Ronalda Pairman of the Yamaye Guani Taino Peoples voiced her assist for the institution of the analysis cluster. She praised UWI for prioritizing collaboration over intrusive analysis practices. She additionally famous her want to see analysis positively impression Indigenous teams. Kasikeíani Ronalda additionally insisted that, like a present IGDS undertaking with the CDB, The UWI ought to embody Indigenous Peoples as co-researchers; they shouldn’t be required to have college levels or formal certification however needs to be acknowledged as specialists on their lived-experiences, and as knowledge-producers about their lifeways.
Kalaan Nibonrix Kaiman, a Chief from the Yukayeke Yamaye Guani (Jamaican Buzzing Chook Taíno Individuals), additionally attended and expressed pleasure concerning the alternative to collaborate, share insights, brainstorm options, and incorporate group knowledge into analysis. Contributors from numerous regional Indigenous teams joined, together with school members from the Historical past and Archaeology, Linguistics, Rastafari Research, and Anthropology departments.
The formation of this analysis cluster is a part of the dedication of The UWI’s Faculty for Graduate Research and Analysis to enhancing analysis high quality and amount. The cluster can also be anticipated to spice up engagement with Indigenous Peoples throughout the area and alerts the College’s efforts to centre Indigenous views and information in its analysis, instructing and studying.
