Using Art-Based Ways of Knowing to Explore Leadership and Identity With Native American Deaf Women

Authors

  • Damara Goff Paris Emporia State University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37119/ojs2015.v21i2.261

Keywords:

Indigenous, Native American, Deaf, Art Inquiry, Identity

Abstract

During a phenomenological narrative study regarding the perspectives of leadership among women who are both Native and Deaf, a portion of the data collection focused on visual art as a means of interpreting what leadership meant to the participants. Participants produced visual imagery to impart their ways of knowing as women who negotiated their paths between two distinct cultures. Themes of identification with indigenous art forms, spirituality, and evolving self-identities were shared, with the participants leading the development of their artistic renderings.  The participant-created visual arts highlight the significance of non-verbal modes of inquiry within Indigenous and Deaf populations.

Keywords: Indigenous; Native American; Deaf; Women; Art Inquiry; Identity

Author Biography

Damara Goff Paris, Emporia State University

Dr. Damara Goff Paris has performed in administrative, counseling, teaching and researcher roles in private, non-profit, state, and university settings. Prior to her position at Emporia State University, she directed a doctoral program in Deaf Studies and Deaf Education.  Her research interests are diverse and include indigenous, women's, and disability studies, particularly the intersectionality of diverse communities.  A qualitative researcher, she has published several articles on the cross-cultural implications of being Native American and Deaf. Dr. Paris has also published seven books, including Step into the Circle, the only published collection of Native American Deaf biographies, to date. 

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Published

2015-12-14

Issue

Vol. 21 No. 2 (2015): Autumn 2015

Section

Articles

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