Axiological Anchors: A discussion of Indigenous studies ethics, praxis, and methodologies

Axiology is the understanding of the morals that shape how we conduct research. Historically, Western academia has seriously lacked relational accountability with Tribal Nations and has produced harmful materials regarding Indigenous peoples, communities, material culture, and our creative practices. Relational accountability is when research frameworks are reimagined within an Indigenous worldview, and the researcher not only understands their positionality but thoroughly understands the importance of Indigenous knowledge systems. Relational accountability is a conversation between ontology, epistemology, axiology, and methodology. This session will utilize Indigenous studies theories like relationality and sovereignty to address the much-needed intervention of addressing the long legacy of damaging practices embedded in art history, art institutions, and Western visual arts traditions. This panel will lean on the promiscuous and interdisciplinary framework of Indigenous studies by utilizing ethnography, literary analysis, visual analysis, community archives, and, more specifically, focusing on the ethics, praxis, and methodologies that guide Indigenous studies scholars across a vast disciplinary discussion of axiology. “Axiological Anchors” include reciprocity, responsibility, respect, relationship, and relevance. The panel seeks conversations about best practices within the field. The panel is open to self-reflexive writing and critical interventions that acknowledge intersecting race, class, gender, and other values that create more fluid understandings of reality. The panel welcomes Indigenous studies scholars, community-based researchers, and other participants who have thoughtful contributions to the needs of the field to untangle from the extractive and dismissive legacy we all currently face.