Epistemological Distinctiveness and the Use of "Guided History" Methodology for Writing Native Histories

Abstract

Writing Native history has traditionally conformed to traditional methodological approaches. This essay argues that inherent differences in the ways Native and non-Native cultures view the past directly impact the production of histories focused on Native populations. With this point in mind, the second half of this essay presents a methodology entitled "Guided History," which not only allows for community input in the production of local histories but also actively promotes this participation.