Decolonising Peace and Conflict Studies through Indigenous Research

This book focuses on how Indigenous knowledge and methodologies can contribute towards the decolonisation of peace and conflict studies (PACS). It shows how Indigenous knowledge is essential to ensure that PACS research is relevant, respectful, accurate, and non-exploitative of Indigenous Peoples, in an effort to reposition Indigenous perspectives and contexts through Indigenous experiences, voices, and research processes, to provide balance to the power structures within this discipline. It includes critiques of ethnocentrism within PACS scholarship, and how both research areas can be brought together to challenge the violence of colonialism, and the colonialism of the institutions and structures within which decolonising researchers are working. Contributions in the book cover Indigenous research in Aotearoa, Australia, The Caribbean, Hawai'i, Israel, Mexico, Nigeria, Palestine, Philippines, Samoa, USA, and West Papua.

Chapter 1: Introduction.- PART 1: Indigenous epistemologies, methodologies and method.- Chapter 2: Decolonising Peacebuilding Research through Indigenous Knowledge Systems: Experience of Igbo Speaking group of Niger-Delta Region, Nigeria.- Chapter 3: Restoring Balance and Harmony to Peace and Conflict Studies: Engaging Indigenous Paradigm Research in Collaborations of Integrity.- Chapter 4: Affirming an Indigenous Approach within Peace and Conflict Studies.- Chapter 5: When an Indigenous Researcher Sees, Speaks and Writes: The Experience of Palestinian Research in Israel.- Chapter 6: Liming and Ole Talk: A Site of Negotiation, Contestation and Relationships.- Chapter 7: Exploring Indigenous Peace Traditions Collaboratively.- PART 2: Peace Education and Indigenous Research.- Chapter 8: Beloved Community: Teacher reflection on Hawai?i-based teaching and learning framework, Na Hopena A?o (HA), and possible implications for decolonisation in peace studies and peace education.- Chapter 9: The Path of Education in Mexico goes back to its roots.- Chapter 10: Te Ao o Rongomaraeroa: Decolonising Research in a Space for Peace.- PART 3: Indigenous Perspectives on Peace Development and Peace Processes.- Chapter 11: Decolonising the (Indonesian) ‘Peace Concept’ in West-Papua.- Chapter 12: Indigenous Conflict Resolution: A Samoan Perspective.- Chapter 13: Treaty Making (Makarrata) and An ‘Invisible’ People:  Seeking a Just Peace after Conflict.- Chapter 14: Appreciative Accompaniment and Storywork in the Philippines: Bridging Peace and Conflict Studies and Indigenous Research.- PART 4: Conclusion.- Chapter 15: Conclusion: From Decolonisation to Ethical Restoration.

Dr. Kelli Te Maiharoa (Waitaha, Ngati Rarua, Te Atiawa) has held leadership roles at the Otago Polytechnic as Tumuaki: Rakahau Maori / Director of Maori Research and Kaihautu: Te Kahui Whetu Lead / Capable Maori, working with Iwi Maori throughout Aotearoa, New Zealand. She is an active member within her whanau, Iwi and local Maori community. She is a mokopuna of Te Maiharoa, the last southern Maori prophet and tohuka (expert tribal specialist).

Dr. Heather Devere is Director of Practice at the Te Ao o Rongomaraeroa/The National Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Otago in Aotearoa, New Zealand. She has written widely on issues related to the politics of friendship, Indigenous peace traditions and peacebuilding, peace journalism, restorative justice, and social justice. She is Secretary of Parihaka Network: Nga Manu Korihi, involved in community mediation, refugee settlement, human rights, and social justice issues.