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This article contributes to the discussion of approaches for conducting research primarily informed by Indigenous ways of knowing throughout the research process. Anishinaabe mino-bimaadiziwin (the Good Life) is a unifying and transcendent concept that, when activated, contains the past, present, and future of Good and respectful approaches to life, which includes Indigenous research. Although the use of Anishinaabe mino-bimaadiziwin as part of research is not a new occurrence, explicit examples of the application of Indigenous spirituality in the literature involving research are sparse. Through this work I propose a Spirit-centered way in Anishinaabe research under the banner Anishinaabe mino-bimaadiziwin as research methodology. I start by locating myself and situating my personal experiences as the backdrop for my understanding of Anishinaabe worldview. After a brief discussion of Indigenous research, I present a review of the literature on the concept of mino-bimaadiziwin. I then re-conceptualize Anishinaabe mino-bimaadiziwin as research methodology. Finally, I present an example of how I have begun to seek, do, learn, and live a Spirit-centered way in Anishinaabe research.
There are Indian people today who believe that the New People are with us today in the form of our youngest generation. . . They are finding their way to the Sweat Lodges, Spirit Ceremonies, Drum Societies, Midewiwin Lodges, Pipe Ceremonies, Longhouse Meetings, Sun Dances, and Kivas that have survived to this day (Benton-Banai, 1988, pp. Ill - 112).
My Location
Indigenous scholars have demonstrated the significance of locating oneself as being integral to Indigenous research and our lives (Absolon & Willett, 2005; Steinhauer, 2001). Sinclair (2003) suggests that "location in Indigenous research, as in life, is a critical starting point" (p. 122). Similarly, Elders and Traditional1 people have taught me about the significance of locating oneself, so my location is where I begin.
Boozhoo, my Spirit name, is Ahnungoonhs, which translates as little star. My English name is Brent Debassige and I am an Ojibway-Anishinaabe of the Caribou Clan. I am from M'Chigeeng First Nation of Manitoulin Island2, but I currently reside in London, Ontario. My parents, Nelson and Joyce, both grew up in M'Chigeeng but moved away before I was born. My early years were spent growing up in and near Toronto. While in elementary school, my parents returned to M'Chigeeng,...