Decolonizing Methodologies Through Dialogue: A Relational Literature Review on Urban Indigenous Health

Abstract

This article responds to Tynan and Bishop’s call for relational engagement in literature reviews, employing Indigenous epistemologies and a relational, conversational approach to examine trends in urban Indigenous health research. Reflecting on a comprehensive literature review, we highlight shifts in research focus, authorship, and methodologies. The analysis, guided by Indigenous scholars with diverse disciplinary backgrounds, centers on current and emerging trends, while addressing the impact of funding priorities and sociopolitical contexts on research. Despite growing recognition of Indigenous scholarship and community engagement, our discussions reveal challenges in maintaining authenticity in community-driven methodologies. We emphasize the need to further decolonize research approaches, highlighting the role of relational methodologies that honor Indigenous epistemologies. By integrating oral traditions, community-based sources, and relational citation practices, this article advocates for a paradigm shift in literature reviews, urging scholars to prioritize Indigenous ways of knowing and strengthen the relational dynamics within research processes to better address urban Indigenous health and well-being.