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Lane 219: Relational Communication for Interdisciplinary Work

IAIP Research
outreach--n-renaud-concordia

Lane 219: Relational Communication for Interdisciplinary Work

Parent Issue: miadisabelle/Etuaptmumk-RSM#216
Child Issue: miadisabelle/Etuaptmumk-RSM#219
Date: 2026-06-01

Research Focus

Communication patterns across epistemological divides; narrative accountability; arts-based epistemology; cautions against appropriation.

Key Findings

1. Arts-Based Epistemology as Knowledge Practice

Arts-based research (ABR) treats artistic creation—film, visual media, performance—as a generative mode of inquiry, not representational tool. Knowledge emerges through:

  • Affective & relational knowing (not objective extraction)
  • Embodied, sensory dimensions inaccessible to verbal/quantitative methods
  • Collective, contextual knowledge that exists in the relational space between maker, material, and witness

2. Communication Patterns for Relational Practice

PatternFrameWhy It Works
Lead with Recognition"Your work on [X] demonstrates thinking about [theme]. We're exploring similar ground."Signals peer inquiry; positions as co-explorer
Name Shared Tension"We're both navigating how to center Indigenous knowledge in institutions built on Western epistemology."Acknowledges complexity; invites collaborative thinking
Invite Rather Than Pitch"We'd value your perspective on [question]. Would you have time for a conversation?"Respects autonomy; opens dialogue
Acknowledge Constraints"We understand institutional time is precious. We're seeking intellectual resonance, not partnership yet."Builds trust through realism
Close with Integrity"Here's what we're asking for [specific]. Here's what we're not."Clear boundaries; demonstrates respect

3. Narrative Accountability in Indigenous Research

Indigenous scholars must author their own work. The caution: Western researchers can extract Indigenous knowledge without community accountability.

Key Principle: Engagement requires protocols that honor Indigenous authority in knowledge production.

4. OCAP® as Communication Framework

OCAP® (Ownership, Control, Access, Possession) is not just data governance—it's a communication ethic:

  • Ownership: Who authors and owns this knowledge?
  • Control: Who decides how it's used?
  • Access: Who can access and under what conditions?
  • Possession: Who holds stewardship?

When communicating across epistemologies, these questions structure relational accountability.

Key Cautions

  1. Avoid Extraction: Don't position Indigenous frameworks as tools to be "applied"
  2. Avoid Appropriation: Honor originating communities; show relational accountability
  3. Avoid Frictionless Language: Indigenous sovereignty requires intentional friction (protocols, gatekeeping)
  4. Avoid Generic Decolonial Framing: Be specific about epistemological commitments and relational accountability

Sources