Ori-Oyena: A Qualitative African Indigenous Approach Towards Decolonizing Research With Africans and People of African Descent
Noah Boakye-Yiadom, Bonnie Lashewicz, Rita Yembilah, Bukola SalamiBackground
While African-centred methodologies have effectively articulated relational ontologies and community-owned ethics, academic journals continue to lack procedural frameworks for operationalizing these principles throughout the research process.
Aim
We propose Ori-Oyena, a methodology grounded in the cultural principles of Indigenous Ghanaian (Nafaanra ethnicity). Ori-Oyena is rooted in the axiom of “simultaneous multiplicity,” which means that both the observable and spiritual are understood as co-empirical phenomena. Ori-Oyena demands collaborative and participatory ownership from research planning through to the dissemination of findings.
Approach
The process of Ori-Oyena begins with Ori-Lefuor, a water-sharing ritual establishing equality between researcher and participants, supporting reciprocity. Data collection occurs through Ori-Oweyl, involving immersive exploration, and in Ori-Ojawa, conversations feature storied and proverbial exchanges. Data are analyzed using a braided, Indigenous thematic approach. Findings are presented to the community during Ori-Odorta, mapping sessions for validation and refinement, where unresolved issues, tensions in exchanges and differences in opinions prompt root-realignment dialogue for deeper exploration. The dissemination of results is governed by Ori-Okita, which ensures that outputs are collaboratively designed and subject to shared usage rights.
Contribution
Implications
The methodology extends African scholarship by providing stepwise procedures for mental health and community research and criteria for reviewer audits. A field application with the Ghanaian community in Alberta shows feasibility across eight events, twenty-one one-to-one dialogues, and two mapping circles, with report-back workshops scheduled by community.