Indigenous ethics through a research advisory group of persons with albinism : Umunthu practices for decolonizing and (re-)centring othered voices in qualitative inquiry

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Chamdimba, Elita (2025) Indigenous ethics through a research advisory group of persons with albinism : Umunthu practices for decolonizing and (re-)centring othered voices in qualitative inquiry. Qualitative Inquiry. ISSN 1552-7565 (In Press) (https://doi.org/10.1177/10778004251322728)

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Abstract

The current global push towards decolonization requires critical consideration of how qualitative inquiry risks reinforcing colonial practices when indigenous ethics are less applied and marginalized voices are less heard. Decolonizing qualitative inquiry requires researchers to rethink power dynamics and skillfully and reflexively navigate insider-outsider positionalities. This article draws lessons from an ongoing field research process with a research advisory group (RAG) which resulted in participant friendly methods, ethically sound research and trustworthy analysis. A key argument is that the close involvement of a RAG guided by the Umunthu values of relationship and sharing, presents an opportunity for achieving decolonial practice. When marginalized voices are (re-)centred through a RAG, the participatory aspect of participatory approaches can be embodied.

ORCID iDs

Chamdimba, Elita ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8872-6820;
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)