An Auto-Ethnographic Inquiry: Indigenous Ethnic-Racial Identity of An Indigenous Woman’s Adaptation and Transformation

Abstract

Persistent colonialization in Canada has tremendously impacted the perceptions and cognitions of Indigenous people on their ethnic-racial identities. Relying on an auto-ethnographic inquiry, this study explores how ethnic-racial socialization practices developed and transformed my ethnic identity as an Indigenous woman through using methods of layered accounts and the directed thematic analysis approach to highlight themes that reflect my experiences in my childhood, youth, and adulthood. Data is collected from self-inventory, journals, school papers, and emails that were written throughout my twenties. I attempt to understand the elements and experiences that make up my ethnic-racial identity. The findings illuminate issues of internal and external racism, cultural assimilation, and how I develop a need to over-compensate for my lack of knowledge of my Indigenous culture. Based on my experiences as a snapshot, this study unveils the adaptation and transformation of Indigenous people's ethnic-racial identities through the process of ethnic-racial socialization practices. Arguably, it would be helpful to foster and develop a positive ethnic-racial identity in Indigenous youth.

Keywords

• auto-ethnography
• ethnic-racial identity
• indigenous woman
• adaptation
• transformation