Design and evaluate a community-based participatory approach to indigenous oral history preservation

Thesis Abstract

The preservation of indigenous oral histories is increasingly vital in safeguarding cultural identity, yet this intangible heritage faces significant threats from globalization, urbanization, and the decline of traditional knowledge transmitters. This study addresses the persistent challenge of effectively documenting and maintaining indigenous oral histories within community contexts, emphasizing the need for participatory approaches that empower local populations. The primary aim is to design, implement, and evaluate a community-based participatory framework that enhances the preservation of indigenous oral histories through active community engagement and culturally appropriate methodologies. Specific objectives include identifying community perceptions and practices concerning oral history preservation, developing a participatory preservation model rooted in local knowledge systems, and assessing the effectiveness of this model in terms of richness, accessibility, and sustainability of oral history records. Using a mixed-methods research design, the study integrates qualitative ethnographic methods with quantitative assessment to provide a comprehensive understanding of community-based preservation efforts. The research was conducted within three indigenous communities encompassing approximately 1,200 individuals, identified through purposive sampling to include elders, local custodians of oral history, youths, and cultural practitioners. Data collection instruments comprise semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, participatory observation, and community workshops, complemented by questionnaires designed to assess attitudes toward oral history preservation and technological engagement. Validity and reliability of qualitative data were ensured through member checking and triangulation, while quantitative data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, chi-square tests for associations, and thematic analysis for qualitative narratives. The effectiveness of the preservation model was evaluated through pre- and post-intervention comparisons over an 18-month period, assessing the quantity and quality of documented histories, community participation rates, and sustainability indicators. Expected findings of the study include increased community awareness and ownership of oral history preservation, enhanced documentation of oral narratives, and the development of a replicable community-driven preservation model. The study anticipates that incorporating local knowledge in conservation strategies significantly improves the accessibility, contextual richness, and cultural sensitivity of oral histories. The findings are expected to demonstrate that participatory approaches, underpinned by strong community leadership and local epistemologies, are superior in fostering sustainable preservation initiatives compared to top-down methods. This research contributes to theoretical discourses by integrating frameworks from Cultural Revitalization Theory and the Participatory Action Research (PAR) model, illustrating how community empowerment and indigenous epistemologies can be systematically embedded within oral history preservation initiatives. The study’s conceptual model synthesizes elements from these theories, emphasizing community agency, intergenerational knowledge transfer, and culturally respectful documentation practices. The main conclusion emphasizes the critical role of community participation in safeguarding indigenous histories and underscores the importance of culturally tailored, participatory frameworks for sustainable heritage conservation. Recommendations include scaling the model to other indigenous groups with adaptations to local contexts, integrating oral history preservation into formal cultural policies, and enhancing technological platforms for wider dissemination. The study advocates for further research into digital approaches and cross-cultural comparatives to enrich understanding of best practices in indigenous oral history preservation, thereby contributing practical insights for policymakers, cultural practitioners, and researchers committed to safeguarding intangible heritage globally.