Ethnographic futures research as a method for working with Indigenous communities to develop sustainability indicators

Abstract

ABSTRACT Ethnographic futures research (EFR) is a participatory research method that allows the researcher(s) and Indigenous people to explore sustainability together. The method is in alliance with Indigenous methodologies and provides a space for storytelling and trust-building between all participants. EFR develops a proactive attitude toward the future and helps people find their place in the future, exploring what they can do to achieve the future they want. The method helps participants clarify their values and goals in order to be an active participant in the future. In this paper, the author explains how EFR may be a particularly productive method to explore sustainability with Indigenous people as it utilizes a three-scenario methodology of the optimistic, pessimistic, and most likely futures. A case study, using information from the author's dissertation, will show the utility of EFR by exploring how the three scenarios lead to more insight about sustainability for the community. The article goal is to demonstrate that EFR is in alliance with Indigenous methodologies, provides benefits for the participants, and allows a community to explore how to live sustainably, creating indicators for sustainability which can lead to strategic planning.