Kawsaypaq (for life): Indigenous research for the freedom to become

Abstract

This article is emboldened by two queries that Indigenous researchers confront—first, of what use are conversations and debates about decolonial research apart from our communities, and second, how do we frame and practice responsibility to places and peoples through research that is energized by Indigenous autochthony? Focusing on research methodologies that are informed by Quechua knowledge, I discuss what Indigenous research might mean for the human who is witness to the loss of nature and playing a part in attempting to restore and protect good earth relationships. I offer provocation regarding how researchers might rethink and re-language our humanity by learning from and with Indigenous worlds that are long contextualized through their environmental stewardship. I center kawsaypaq, translated from Quechua Collao to English as “for life,” which I apply to research that works for the freedom to become.