Doing research together: wasdi ( Allium tricoccum ) plants guide dynamic research collaborations in Cherokee landscapes

Abstract

Research on harvesting culturally significant food plants can contribute to Indigenous food sovereignty. Relationships drive the process of research, which can affect research methodologies and outcomes. Promoting inclusion and equity in research relationships is necessary to reduce power hierarchies that often position conventional sciences above Indigenous knowledge systems. This paper employs a reflexive lens to consider important dynamics of an ongoing research collaboration between the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, federal agencies, and academic partners focused on the Cherokee food plant ᎤᏩᏍᏗᎭ [transliterated as <em>uwasdiha</em> or <em>wasdi</em> and also recognized as ramps or <em>Allium tricoccum</em>]. An aim of our paper is to contribute to our collective understandings of Indigenous research methodologies (IRM) and collaborative research. Through iterative, place-based conversations and thematic analysis we identify and discuss our process engaging in trust building and relationality as co-authors. Key themes emerging from our work include the importance of (1) developing relationships when conducting collaborative research across multiple knowledge systems and (2) Indigenous food narratives that center traditional foods in research and relationships.