Decolonizing Data yields valuable insights into the decolonisation of research methods by addressing and examining health inequalities from an anti-racist and anti-oppressive standpoint.
Decolonizing Data explores how ongoing structures of colonisation negatively impact the well-being of Indigenous peoples and communities across Canada, resulting in persistent health inequalities. In addressing the social dimensions of health, particularly as they affect Indigenous peoples and BIPOC communities, Decolonizing Data asks, Should these groups be given priority for future health policy considerations?
Decolonizing Data provides a deeper understanding of the social dimensions of health as applied to Indigenous peoples, who have been historically underfunded in and excluded from health services, programs, and quality of care; this inequality has most recently been seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Drawing on both western and Indigenous methodologies, this unique scholarly contribution takes both a sociological perspective and the "two-eyed seeing" approach to research methods. By looking at the ways that everyday research practices contribute to the colonisation of health outcomes for Indigenous peoples, Decolonizing Data exposes the social dimensions of healthcare and offers a careful and respectful reflection on how to "unsettle conversations" about applied social research initiatives for our most vulnerable groups.
Table of Contents:
Contents
List of Tables
List of Figures
Acknowledgments
Dedication
Preface
Relational Accountability
About this Book
How the Book is Organized
1.Introduction
The Importance of Power and Place: Place-Based Consciousness
Who is Indigenous?
Indigenous Peoples and the Urban Landscape in Canada
Indigenous Perspectives on the Good Life
The Link Between Social Capital and Indigenous Well-Being
2. The Impacts of Colonization on Indigenous Health and Well-being
Setter State Policy and Indigenous Peoples
Assimilation Policy and Poor Health Outcomes
The Indian Reserve System
The Residential School System
Historical Trauma for Generations to Come
Acts of Reconciliation
The 1996 Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (RCAP)
The 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)
3. Decolonizing Bodies and a Self-Governing Health System
Indigenous Well-being and Urban Life
Beyond the Western Medical Model and Decolonizing Bodies
Health Transformation and Self-Determination
Health Governance and the First Nations Health Authority
4. Social Capital Theory, Health Indicators and Indigenous Communities
Historical Overview: Bourdieusian Social Capital and Health Status
Social Capital Analysis and Applied Social Research
Social Capital Theory and Colonization
Moving Beyond the GDP: Social and Economic Indicators of Well-being
How is Well-Being Measured in Canada?
How is Indigenous Well-Being Measured in Canada?
Indigenous Health Indictors Frameworks
5. Decolonizing Data and Critical Research Methods
Decolonizing Methodologies
Ethics: Honoring Indigenous Protocols and Relational Accountability
Participation Action Research and Indigenous Communities
Two-Eyed Seeing and Indigenous Health Outcomes
Qualitative Findings
The Origin Story of the First Nations Perspective on Health and Wellness
Traditional Knowledge
Data Governance and Ownership
From Illness Models to Wellness Perspectives
A Critical Data Approach
Decolonizing Data and Indigenous Health Outcomes
The 2012 Aboriginal People’s Survey and Measuring Historical Trauma
Individual and Community Level Factors Affecting Indigenous Health Outcomes
Quantitative Findings
Transgenerational Trauma and Health Outcomes
Indigenous Culture as Resistance to Trauma
6. Conclusion
Indigenous-Based Determinants of Health and Wellness
Social Capital and Indigenous Health and Wellness
Critical Reflections
Allyship and Solidarity
Relational Allyship and Responsive Research
Responsive Research, the TRAC Method and Indigenous Data Sovereignty
The Limitations of Two-Eyed Seeing
Indigenous Data Sovereignty
References
About the Author :
Jacqueline M. Quinless is an adjunct professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Victoria.
Review :
" Decolonizing Data is a valuable resource and guide to taking a decolonized critical approach to Indigenous research for practitioners, academics, and researchers.. The book notably takes an important stance in discussing and executing allyship in Indigenous research in an important area of health and wellness. Jacqueline M. Quinless offers a unique case study that is very helpful for non-Indigenous researchers who are wanting to engage with Indigenous research in a respectful way."
--Lisa Monchalin, Professor of Criminology, Kwantlen Polytechnic University
" Decolonizing Data is clear and concise. The literature is sound and conducted in a professional manner. This book will be useful in courses on decolonizing approaches, Indigenous methodologies, methods, health and well-being, social sciences, and research practices."
--Michael Lickers, Associate Faculty and Indigenous Scholar in Residence, School of Leadership Studies, Royal Roads University
"We use Decolonizing Data in our Simon Fraser University Beedie School of Business Indigenous Business Leadership Executive MBA Course on Data and Decision-Making for Indigenous Businesses. A central part of our course is data ethical frameworks and data sovereignty, and Dr. Quinless's book presents the impacts of colonization not only on Indigenous health and well-being but also as a pathway for self-determination through data. The chapters in this book are laid out succinctly and provide a foundation for excellent discussions with our class on using data for decision-making."
--Kim van der Woerd, Lead for Strategy and Relations, Reciprocal Consulting Inc., Instructor at Simon Fraser University's Beedie School of Business and Continuing Education
" Decolonizing Data is a powerful and thought-provoking book that challenges our understanding of data, the ways in which data has historically been used as a tool of oppression, and how it can be reimagined to serve the needs of Indigenous peoples and those who continue to be impacted by colonialism. This important and timely resource is not only important within the context of Canada, but also has international relevance. The legacy of colonialism has had profound impact on research processes around the world, and the need to decolonize data is a global issue. Through this work, Jacqueline Quinless provides a framework for addressing systemic inequities; it is a must read for anyone interested in understanding the intersection of data, power, and social justice."
--Crystal Tremblay, Assistant Professor & Co-Chair Map Shop, Department of Geography, University of Victoria, and Director, CIFAL Victoria
"How can we start to rectify the many colonial systems that are measuring Indigenous 'sickness'? When I asked this question, Quinless took it seriously and in the book critically examines the role of data within the colonial systems. This book will be of benefit to allies wanting to do research work in better ways."
--Shannon Waters, Stz'uminus First Nation, Clinical Assistant Professor, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia
