A dialogue and reflection on photohistory: Engaging indigenous communities in research through visual analysis

Abstract

Attempts at capturing observations and concerns of change in the Canadian north (sub-Arctic, Arctic) have been mostly conducted through interviews and focus groups spearheaded by researchers. Indeed, images depicting change in the north, when utilized at all, are mostly used to confirm and illustrate the findings derived from researchers. Rarely are local depictions of change used in these interpretations. The purpose of this Notes from the field is to discuss the application of a methodology we term ‘photohistory’ in a study examining visual depictions of cultural and environmental changes in the Moose Cree and MoCreebec First Nations in northern Ontario, Canada. This process of active engagement fosters past reclamation of old photographs while encouraging the discovery of new research directions and partnerships. The application of photohistory in a First Nations located in northern Canada, and subsequent refinement of the methodology for future studies, are discussed.