Diné-centered research reframes the Gold King Mine Spill: Understanding social and spiritual impacts across space and time. (January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Clausen, Rebecca J.; Chief, Carmenlita; Teufel-Shone, Nicolette I.; Begay, Manley A.; Charley, Perry H.; Beamer, Paloma I.; Anako, Nnenna; Chief, Karletta
• Is Part Of: Journal of rural studies. Volume 97(2023)
• Page Start: 449
• Page End: 457
• Publication Date: 2023-01
• Subjects: Diné -- Indigenous environmental justice -- Navajo Nation -- Relational identities -- Settler colonialism -- Gold King Mine Spill; Sociology, Rural -- Periodicals; Country life -- Periodicals; Rural development -- Periodicals; Land use, Rural -- Planning -- Periodicals; Rural conditions -- Periodicals; Sociologie rurale -- Périodiques; Vie rurale -- Périodiques; Développement rural -- Périodiques; Sol, Utilisation agricole du -- Planification -- Périodiques; Conditions rurales -- Périodiques; Country life; Land use, Rural -- Planning; Rural conditions; Rural development; Sociology, Rural; Periodicals; 307.72
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jrurstud.2022.12.021
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0743-0167

Abstract

Abstract: This paper explores how Indigenous-led research reframes the impacts and response to environmental disasters in the context of acid mine spills in rural communities of the Southwest United States. The collaborative research project addressing the Gold King Mine Spill (GKMS) designed qualitative methodologies that center Indigenous worldviews and contribute to broader understandings of environmental justice. The research team, led by Diné scholars and community leaders, gathered qualitative responses from 123 adult participants in twelve focus groups from three rural communities on the Navajo Nation. The project incorporated fluent Diné speakers and cultural consultants to lead focus groups in a manner consistent with cultural worldviews. The analysis of the focus group data resulted in original findings that reframe previous understandings of environmental harm by broadening the boundaries to include: 1) social relations across time; 2) social relations across space; 3) spiritual relations; and 4) restoring balance. The findings allow for greater insight into the colonial context of disaster on rural and Indigenous lands and confronts colonial-rooted disasters through Indigenous-informed political action. Highlights: An Indigenous led research team initiated a new process of framing environmental harm. Research methods were aligned with the Diné worldview and guided data collection. Indigenous EJ highlights relationality and the settler colonial context. Participants desire new forms of healing beyond monetary compensation.