Indigenous Oral History Manual: Canada and the United States

The Indigenous Oral History Manual: Canada and the United States, the expanded second edition of The American Indian Oral History Manual, provides best practices for conducting oral history in Indigenous communities across Canada and the United States. It includes information on selected oral histories, legal and ethical issues, project planning, recording equipment, budgeting, interview settings, stewardship of project materials, and ways Indigenous communities use oral histories. The book features oral history project profiles from Canada and the United States, emphasizing community engagement and adhering to appropriate local protocols and ethical standards. It is an ideal resource for students, scholars, and Indigenous communities seeking to engage ethically with tribal and First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities in oral history work that meets community needs.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 158 pages
Publication date: 01 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Indigenous Oral History Manual: Canada and the United States, an expanded and revised edition of The American Indian Oral History Manual (2008), offers a comprehensive guide to conducting oral history projects within Indigenous communities across Canada and the United States. Drawing upon best practices from various Indigenous community oral history projects, this manual provides insights and practical strategies for capturing and preserving the rich narratives of Indigenous peoples.

The manual is organized into five chapters, covering key aspects of oral history work. In the first chapter, "Introduction to Oral History," readers are introduced to the concept of oral history and its significance in preserving Indigenous cultures and histories. The chapter explores the benefits and challenges of using oral history as a research method and highlights the importance of community engagement and ethical considerations in conducting oral history projects.

The second chapter, "Legal and Ethical Issues in Oral History," delves into the legal and ethical considerations that arise in oral history work. It discusses issues such as consent, confidentiality, intellectual property rights, and the impact of oral history projects on Indigenous communities. The chapter provides guidance on navigating these complex issues and ensuring that oral history projects are conducted with respect and sensitivity to the cultural and historical contexts of Indigenous peoples.

Chapter three, "Project Planning Considerations," provides practical advice on planning and carrying out oral history projects. It covers topics such as identifying research questions, selecting interview participants, developing interview protocols, selecting recording equipment and budgeting, and planning and conducting interviews in various settings, including homes, communities, and archives. The chapter emphasizes the importance of community engagement and adhering to appropriate local protocols and ethical standards in oral history work.

Chapter four, "Choosing Recording Equipment and Budgeting," offers guidance on selecting appropriate recording equipment and budgeting for oral history projects. It discusses the advantages and disadvantages of different recording devices, such as digital recorders, analog recorders, and field notebooks, and provides tips on how to choose equipment that meets the needs and resources of the project. The chapter also discusses budgeting considerations, including funding sources, grants, and other forms of support.

Chapter five, "Planning and Carrying Out Interviews in Various Settings," provides detailed instructions on conducting interviews in different settings. It covers topics such as developing rapport with interview participants, eliciting meaningful responses, recording and transcribing interviews, and preserving and storing project materials. The chapter also includes examples of successful oral history projects from Indigenous communities across Canada and the United States, showcasing the range of possibilities that people interested in Indigenous oral history might pursue.

A centerpiece of the manual is a collection of oral history project profiles from Canada and the United States that illustrate the range of possibilities that people interested in Indigenous oral history might pursue. These profiles showcase the diverse experiences and perspectives of Indigenous peoples, highlighting the importance of community engagement and adhering to appropriate local protocols and ethical standards in oral history work.

The Indigenous Oral History Manual: Canada and the United States is an invaluable resource for students, scholars, and Indigenous communities who seek to engage ethically with tribal and First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities in oral history work that meets community needs. The manual provides a comprehensive and practical guide to conducting oral history projects that preserve and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Indigenous peoples. By leveraging the power of oral history, we can better understand the past, present, and future of Indigenous communities and work towards a more inclusive and equitable society.

Weight: 264g
Dimension: 151 x 228 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367746797
Edition number: 2 ed