Ted Nichol @tngeog2260 - Tumblr Blog

Tiny Homes; The Solution for Overcrowded Indigenous Communities

I found an article from the CTV News website that caught my eye. The title of the article is Mi'kmaw tiny-home builders hoping to tackle Indigenous housing crisis. The article is about Lloyd Augustine and his nephew Robert building tiny homes, usually 10 feet by 26 feet, for Indigenous people to have as their homes in their overcrowded communities in New Brunswick and across other parts of Canada. The tiny homes can take up to eight to twelve weeks to build, but with larger crews, size and minimal set backs a tiny home can be built in just two to three weeks. The tiny homes are priced around $50,000 to $65,000, depending on size and design. Lloyd and Robert come from Esgenoôpetitj First Nations in New Brunswick, and have noticed that many families are packed into homes and some people are left with just a tent as a home. They wanted to make a difference and their solution is the tiny homes project they have started.

(Photo from CTV NEWS)

When relating this to course material a reading from Brown (2006) states that there are five criteria that test the evaluation of validity when reviewing literature; Purpose, scope, authority, audience and format.

To start the purpose of this article would be to spread awareness of the overcrowded communities and the solution that is being presented at this point would address the scope of the matter.

The authority comes from the sources within the article and whether they are creditable or not. A source the article uses is another CTV News article that discusses the issue of overcrowding in Indigenous communities and that article also references the United Nations statistics. My article also references the 2016 statistics of Canada reports discussing two out of five Indigenous peoples live in an over crowded home and one in ten live in a home with one bathroom. The article also has comments from Lloyd and Robert from a web interview conducted to complete the project.

Furthermore the audience for the article would be those of the overcrowded communities and anyone else interested in learning how to help or curious readers.

Lastly the format structure of the article also allows the researcher to examine the validity of the article, with quotes, paragraph structure and photos.

#https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/mi-kmaw-tiny-home-builders-hoping-to-tackle-indigenous-housing-crisis-1.5365735

kgeog2260

The Invisible Backpack

What has resonated with me throughout the Course?

Throughout the entirety of the semester, I have found that various concepts discussed within the course have helped me prepare for my future in the field of research and evaluation. However, one of the concepts that have resonated with me the most throughout the course was the discussion of the invisible backpack. The concept was first developed by Peggy McIntosh through her work in women’s studies, in which she discovered the experiences of women and certain races involved a lot of oppression and disadvantage and defined the concept as an invisible package of unearned assets that are included in an invisible weightless backpack of special provisions, maps, passports, codebooks, visas, clothes, tools and blank checks (McIntosh, 1989). McIntosh further elaborates on the invisible backpack by discussing that society teaches us to view ourselves as an individual with our own morals, rather than possible oppressors in a damaged society. Even if we don’t necessarily view ourselves this way, majority of us still benefit from unearned privilege in our daily life.

This approach to research analyzes the different perspectives we have of the world based on our different privileges, and how white privilege has influences our actions. As many remember, we discussed the concept of the invisible backpack in our discussion of “Surviving in the Siberian Wilderness for 70 Years” and how the concept of privilege can be applied to ethical practices of researchers. I think the invisible backpack highlights how researchers who choose to conduct their research with people or environments that differ from theirs need to understand the privilege they possess, and the considerations they must take into account because of this. Researcher must understand the ethical responsibility they have to detach their own invisible backpack when trying to understand others perspective. I do not believe this means completely disregarding how their personal experiences differ from those that they are studying, but rather understanding the differences and approaching it with as much awareness as possible, much like the researchers interacting with Agafia.

Research conducted within a field that involves direct contact with unfamiliar people, cultures or environments can be difficult if ethics are left out. The invisible backpack not only draws attention to how researchers can consider their privilege before a project, but also how they can be as considerate as possible when trying to understand personal experiences from a different perspective. The discussion of the invisible backpack made me rethink how my privilege has impacted the way in which I view research, and how if I were in the position of a researcher, how my invisible impact would influence the way I conduct it.

Do you believe every researcher should be aware of the invisible backpack? What are ways that we can teach ourselves to be mindful of our privilege when conducting research?

References:

McIntosh, P. (1989). White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Backpack. Retrieved from: http://www.interpretereducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/white-privilege-by-Peggy-McIntosh.compressed.pdf

tngeog2260

Hello,

I enjoyed reading your blog about the invisible backpack and the implications it has on researchers. The invisible backpack was a new concept for me through this semester and it has made me consider some of the things in my everyday life I take for granted. I was interested in the way you thought researchers should really consider some of the advantages they possess from such ‘backpacks’ and not harm the group being researched by any ethical issues that may arise from privileges they have. It is a very useful tool to consider when conducting your own research and one that everyone should so that there are no biased opinions or skewed result findings. A question I have for you, do you think if researchers are strictly researching from an observational standpoint and are not engaged with the study first hand, is it okay to use the privileges possessed to gain the best research possible? Interested to hear what your thoughts on that are. Again enjoyed reading, Thank you!

Teddy

The Changing World and Zooming In For a Better Look

During this global pandemic people have had lots of time to reflect on life habits and norms in which they partake in everyday. Before Covid-19, people went to work and sat at their desks, jammed into a meeting room full of people, with nothing to worry about. Now it is hard to imagine that now. Week 6 made me think that how we use to collect information may have changed for the near present. In person interviews and large focus groups sounds like a criminal offence to many these days. And by Covid protocols seem like we are far from getting together and meeting to discuss and engage in research findings, which means remote conversations via telephone or Zoom calls seem to be the future of conversation, at least for a little while longer.

While conducting interviews in person, an interviewer relies on physical and facial expressions to fully understand how the interviewee feels and reacts to prompted questions, therefore it would be extreme and quite impossible to rely on these factors over and phone call interview. That is why Zoom has such a major part in everyone's lives today as face to face over the computer allows us to communicate nonverbally. Another key component from Week 6 is group size and how to determine the size of a focus group interview. People have joined zoom for features such as the size of people you can have on one zoom call and being able to have one person in charge to mute anyone. One obstacle would be deciding the format of the interview structure. Semi-structured interviews would be the most appropriate base on the ability to use multi-methods approach, as Colin Robson (2002, p.2) points out.

This topic resonated with me because I feel that human interaction is so important for our mental health and not having the opportunities to have much of a social life, zoom have provided a way in which we all can get together safely for useful conversations like interviews and focus groups, but also allows people to engage with friends for a quick hello and catch up on each others lives. Zoom has changed everything.

Ted Nichol

tngeog2260

My 5 Minute Interview With Michael Woods.

Rural geography is the centre focus of the digital storytelling project my fellow classmates and I are working on. Rural geography can be a very broad topic with many avenues to consider. Michael Woods, a British Professor of Human Geography and Director of the Institute of Geography and Earth Sciences, has many journals and books on rural geography and political geography. One paper of Woods stands out to me in particular and that is his work on spatial and social issues from developing alternative food networks and the challenges of government run solutions to climate change and food security problems (Woods, 2012). As a geographer from a small town, I am interested in learning and expanding my knowledge of alternate ways of food networks because over the years I have seen small towns turn into small cities, therefore limiting agricultural land in rural Midwestern Ontario. This concerns me, as Woods points out, rural geographers have rarely engaged in modelling and projecting the future of rural landscapes. I would be very interested in interviewing a well educated mind on such a field.

Questions I have for Michael Woods:

What first sparked your interest in rural geography and why?

I would gain further background knowledge of Woods and what life events or interest led him to the discipline of rural geography. By doing so it will give myself as a researcher a better understanding of issues and concerns he will bring forth throughout our interview.

What alternative food networks have governments explored and what are any potential risks and benefits to the climate and rural areas that are involved?

This question would form a base for a research standpoint. By asking Woods for his opinion on such an important matter it will begin to form an idea as to where rural geographers stand with the government issued solutions. Keeping in mind an unbiased mindset when conducting such research.

If planning for the future of rural geography is not prioritized, what will the landscapes of; for example, Midwestern Ontario look like?, where there is lots of agricultural land at risk.

By looking into the future and predicting what land may look like, my hope is that government and land officials will see the decline in rich and benefited land that is being exploited for residential and commercial institutions.

Will communities be forced into subsistence farming for themselves and nearby communities?

With the government controlling farming and exploring new food networks, will farmers be able to sell products to larger areas? Or are the government regulations going to cripple local farmers from selling to big cities.

What actions are needed to sustain our rural areas? Do communities have to band together and stand up for their rural landscapes? Do you think this is achievable?

People who do not live in rural areas are often the ones making the rules and regulations. So my question to Michael Woods is what can locals do to maintain their power for the land?

I decided on the questions above to gain a full understanding of where Woods comes from and more about his background, which then led me to explore his beliefs and opinions on rural geography and the implications on spatial and social differences that come with government run programs for food networks and its impacts on food security and climate change (Woods, 2012). Lastly any potential ways in which locals can regain and maintain power in decision making for the land they live upon. I found that these questions would be beneficial in starting a research project which can lead to many other solutions that come forward in the future.

Woods, M. (2012). Rural geography III: Rural futures and the future of rural geography. Progress in Human Geography, 36(1), 125-134.

ekgeog2260-deactivated20231114

Hi Ted,

Your blog post this week is very well done, and you have come up with some very in-depth and important questions to ask Michael Woods about rural geography and food networks.

You have outlined what you hope to achieve with the questions you ask during your interview, which seem to both address your digital storytelling project and looking to empower rural communities and farmers in rural areas through geography. Your questions seem to follow the primary question types outline in Box 8.3 of the textbook. Your first question is a storytelling question, allowing Woods to explain his background and tell his story of how he came to where he is today. The rest of your questions seem to fall into opinion, structural, and even a little bit of Devil’s advocate type questions, getting Woods to describe his thoughts and research on sometimes sensitive topics (to rural areas and governments) (Dunn, 2016. p. 155).

There are a couple things I am unsure of with your interview you have laid out. Firstly, how do you plan to structure your interview? Would it be structured? Unstructured? Semi-structured? Clearly outlining this would allow you to get a clearer picture of how the interview may unfold. Secondly, I am also concerned with the complexity of some of your questions. Don’t get me wrong, I love what they address and their importance, but I am worried about how easily Woods would be able to answer them within the five minutes that have been allotted for your interview. It might help if you specify more within your questions, for example, naming a specific country/government in question 2.

However, I love the way your questions are phrased carefully, use language that Woods would likely understand, and also don’t seem to be leading questions (Dunn, 2016, p. 153).

Thanks for your post!

Eric Klassen

References:

Dunn, K. (2016). Interviewing. I. Hay (Ed.), Qualitative research methods in human geography (4th ed., pp. 149-188). Don Mills, ON: Oxford University Press.

tngeog2260

Hey Eric

Thank you for your response. For my structure I would like to have an unstructured interview, to make it feel like a relaxed conversation between two rural geographers, but am afraid with the five minute time slot our conversation may exceed that time. Therefore I would explore a structured interview to keep conversation well on track and direct.

Thanks for the input!

Teddy Nichol

akgeog2260

Interviewing Dr. Wolfgang Streeck

Who?

I will be interviewing Wolfgang Streeck, the current Director at the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies in Cologne. The reason I will be interviewing Wolfgang is because he is an economic sociologist who believes in the power of demography in explaining development. This is important to me as I hope to study these fields as well, and I believe he would have great insight into how demography is backbone of human geography. Specifically, he wrote an opinion essay on why demographics and political economy are inseparable, and I’d like to ask him about the ideas behind it.

Questions;

1. Can you describe a complexity of demography through the lens of dominant political economic system of capitalism?

In this opening question I would hope to gain further insight about how capitalism influences demography. This will reveal how Dr. Streeck thinks about the interdisciplinary aspects of demography and the political economy.

2. What do you think Japan could’ve done to avoid their extremely low birth rate, is the political economy to blame?

In this question I hope to gain insight into why the political economy of one of the worlds oldest developed nations lead to it becoming so unstable demographically speaking, or if there were other factors involved instead.

3. Do you believe that the demographics of Japan over time are a model that other OECD countries are inevitably going to replicate?

Here I have posed a contrasting question, to compare an experience of one place to another, in hopes of further drawing solutions to this aging problem out of Dr. Streeck. I also hope to reference his answer to this question with the previous to conclude about the distinctiveness of place and its effects on demographics.

4. What is your opinion on population control methods in developing nations?

This is a controversial topic, with many scholars arguing for and against implementing birth control programs in global south countries. I aim to gain insight into what a leading scholar might think, and how the political economy of a globalized world has caused this cry for birth control.

5. How might we be able to leverage demographic knowledge to help sustainable development through the entire world, not just the global south?

This question aims to find out about higher theories that Dr. Streeck might have, and how demography will be an essential field of study in regards to creating a sustainable future for mankind. I believe this question could also lead to further discussion, and if time permits I would like to follow up with secondary questions such as; Is our political economic system compatible with sustainable development?

Why These Questions?

I used the PowerPoint from this week to guide how I decided on each question. I started with a primary question to initiate discussion and form the topic/theme I will be posing my interview about. After that, I moved into storytelling questions with the hope of being able to swing these responses into expansive follow up questions about a specific scenario. The two questions on Japan are my example of that. Moving on from there, I tried out an opinion question to reveal a global context beyond OECD countries, I am aiming to find any impressions and feelings that a leading scholar on family life/demographics would have about something controversial. Lastly, I followed up my last question with a secondary devils advocate type question. Regardless of his answer about population control, the insight into what solution he’s undoubtedly theorized about over his many years of study is very valuable. In conclusion, I will use a variety of different types of questions to try to influence Dr. Streeck to divulge his answers to controversial, and existential questions.

tngeog2260

Hey Adam

I found your topic very interesting and thought the way you presented your questions were very effective by getting initial conversation going with a knowledge question followed by a storytelling question. Well done! Your third question was the comparable question and focused on viewing other places around the world and using Japan as an example and wondering if other OECD countries will follow their model. One thing I thought would be useful is to have your comparable question as #4 or #5 just to get a full picture of the issue and then compare after gaining full knowledge of the situation. But that being said question #5 and ways to help other developing countries was a well rounded conclusion to your questions for Dr. Wolfgang Streeck. I am curious to know about any potential solutions you may have. Very well done and I enjoyed reading!

My 5 Minute Interview With Michael Woods.

Questions I have for Michael Woods:

What first sparked your interest in rural geography and why?

What alternative food networks have governments explored and what are any potential risks and benefits to the climate and rural areas that are involved?

If planning for the future of rural geography is not prioritized, what will the landscapes of; for example, Midwestern Ontario look like?, where there is lots of agricultural land at risk.

Will communities be forced into subsistence farming for themselves and nearby communities?

What actions are needed to sustain our rural areas? Do communities have to band together and stand up for their rural landscapes? Do you think this is achievable?

People who do not live in rural areas are often the ones making the rules and regulations. So my question to Michael Woods is what can locals do to maintain their power for the land?

Woods, M. (2012). Rural geography III: Rural futures and the future of rural geography. Progress in Human Geography, 36(1), 125-134.

jmageo2260-deactivated20210621

Protecting Wildlife In Africa

If I was a researcher with limitless resources, the possibilities in terms of research are endless. However, I would most likely shift the focus of my research on wildlife conservation. I have always been an avid animal lover and it is more critical today than ever to protect wildlife and keep our ecosystem in balance. The natural habitat of animals is being destroyed, and this contributes to the distinction of many species. Many have been lost due to deforestation, climate change and pollution. With more public and political involvement, restoration and preservation are possible.

With Wildlife observation, we need to understand how animals interact within their ecosystem and how they are affected by anthropogenic effects such as hunting and destruction of habitat. Since I have unlimited resources, I would first affiliate myself with an organization that has already gathered significant research, such as the International Rhino Foundation, Big Cats Initiative and Elephant Voices.

We would continue to engage in qualitative and observational research methods through field study. Studying the animal’s behaviour “provides valuable knowledge about their natural behavior and life histories, their complex cognitive and social experiences, and the nature of the threats they face” (Fultz & Pruetz, 2013). We will also continue quantitative research through the use of cameras, remote sensing satellites and GPS. Unfortunately, wildlife tracking is an essential part of conservation to keep track of and observe animal movement, population demographics and even poaching. In my research project the attaching or implantation of devices will be minimized. Statistical modeling can reduce the numbers required.

Studying in the wild has some challenges as there are many variables that can interfere and cannot be controlled. The behaviour of the animals are unpredictable as well as the weather and environment.

With animal research, ethics are of the utmost importance. A researcher must ensure that the information gained justifies the disturbance to the animals and the population of natives around it. Both animals and the environment have moral value, and neither must be harmed. The interaction of the research with the native population must also be taken into consideration. This brings us to our “Invisible Backpack”. We are visiting this beautiful country full of white privilege, we are not lacking in food, water or clothes, and are interacting with people from poor socio-economic backgrounds. We have to make the effort to be aware of our view and step away from our position of privilege. Habitat loss, when a research team sets up an area as a field site, although necessary, needs to be minimized.

We all love and appreciate wildlife. They enrich the lives of everyone around the world and provide therapeutic benefits. Everyone wants to experience wildlife and nature from time to time and breathe a little fresh air. But wildlife is not just a source of enjoyment. Wildlife and their habitat play a vital role in ecological processes and are essential to life itself. It is of the utmost importance that we work to protect our wildlife. “The functioning of the biosphere, and hence the maintenance and enhancement of human life, depends on countless interactions among plants, animals and microorganisms” (Canadian Wildlife Federation).

My question is, would any of you consider volunteering in Africa with Wildlife Conservation Program?

Here is one

https://www.goeco.org/area/volunteer-in-africa/kenya/masai-mara-lion-and-wildlife-conservation

Gruen, L., Fultz, A., & Pruetz, J. (2013, April 01). Ethical Issues in African Great Ape Field Studies. Retrieved from https://academic.oup.com/ilarjournal/article/54/1/24/670008

Canadian Wildlife Federation (n.d). Retrieved from https://www.hww.ca/en/issues-and-topics/benefits-of-wildlife.html

tngeog2260

Hey Jordan,

We all seem to have a soft spot for animals, and why not? I enjoyed reading your blog about your research plan and how to help animals suffering from habitat loss due to deforestation and climate change in Africa. I feel, most people do not understand the damage we do to ecosystems by the way we live our lives.

It is very important for you to gain a resource like the International Rhino Foundation, Big Cats Initiative and Elephant Voices as you mentioned in your original blog. This way you can learn strategies and methods of research. I ask you this, what could you bring to the table for those organizations right now? I understand it may be small and simple such as just the passion for animals and helping to save their habitats.

Field work for a research project like this would be an amazing experience, to say the least. Interviews with locals and participatory observation would be useful methods in conducting such research and allow you to gain experiences many will never be able to.

Enjoyed reading

Teddy

My Ultimate Research Project.

When reviewing this week’s blog prompt and given the ability to research any area that interests me my immediate thoughts were to social behaviour and how it affects others. Considering my major in sociology this is an area that interests me and something I observe on a day to day basis.

In a third year sociology course that I took last year, the main focus was on quantitative research and research methods. Examining ways in which researchers conduct their findings through interviews, focus groups, surveys and etc. Throughout the course we had to make a proposal of our own research. I pursued social behaviour, as mentioned as my interest above, with regards to a hockey team more specifically the relationship between a coach and his players.

Outline of Research

Therefore, my ultimate research project would be to further investigate a main interest of mine, social behaviour and a passion of mine, hockey. To start my research and by having no limitations, with ethics in mind, I would begin by reaching out to hockey teams in the Canadian Hockey League, nationwide from Halifax, Nova Scotia to Vancouver, British Columbia and everywhere in between, which is roughly 60 hockey teams in total. After gaining consent from teams who wish to participate, I would then conduct face-to-face interviews with both players and coaches separately to ensure no biased opinions and/or answers; answers will be confidential after conclusion of the interviews.

To connect my research with some geography perspective, I may look into conducting a similar project somewhere foreign, such as European countries and where hockey is thriving and there is a good sample size to draw from.

Ethics

Ethics would be the most challenging aspect for my research. Making sure that participants are comfortable with sharing their relationships with me to gain better understanding of the dynamic of the team and whether it is allowing their teams to be successful during their season. Participants may feel uncomfortable as it may draw to negative relationships they have experienced, therefore a survey or more intimate one on one interview may be the best option for this research.

In conclusion, researching social behaviour among hockey teams and diving deeper into the relationship between coaches and players would be my ultimate research project!

Thanks for reading.

Teddy

amfgeog2260

Total Seclusion in the Taiga

The Case of Isolation in the Serbian Taiga

One hundred and sixty miles deep into the Siberian Taiga forest absolute seclusion existed for 40 years. The Lykov family fled Russia as they feared persecution in a quickly changing world, and they wanted to protect their way of life as a family of Old Believers. Since 1936, the entire Lykov family lived in the isolated natural world; and since 1988 the last remaining Lykov family member still lives there, and her name is Agafia Lykov. In 1978, a team of Russian geologists saw the Lykov cabin from a helicopter and made the first contact with them in 40 years. Although it was slightly disputed in the documentary, it is said that the geologists infected much of the family with pneumonia which led to their demise, and left Agafia as the only surviving member of the Lykov family. She provides for herself, and lives completely on the land. She is now over 70 years old, and has been visited by various research teams over the years.

Research Techniques

This case study of Agafia and her personal history living in seclusion focuses on her experiences, her opinions, her relationships with family, and the land. This is a very individualistic research analysis that uses a lot of oral history to support it (Hay 2016). Much of the techniques throughout the documentary are in-depth qualitative interviews that allow Agafia to share her beliefs and her way of life through stories and shared experiences.

Unpacking the Invisible Backpack

The invisible backpack is also important to mention in the context of this story, and the way the documentarians went about filming it. Peggy McIntosh is an American activist for an array of social issues relating to race, gender, and other social inequalities. In an essay she wrote, she discusses the importance of an acknowledgement of the “invisible knapsack” from which white privilege sprouts, and the oblivious way in which privilege acts in society (Hooykaas 2021). This is an important thing to note in this case study, as there is clear privilege, and an important distinction of a status differential between the documentary crew and Agafia. Although a secluded and deeply natural location, the crew could absolutely be flown out of the spot in the case of a real emergency. During the story, one of the narrators makes a point of saying the helicopter dropped them off and would not be back for a few days, but when Agafia is alone, she is truly alone, and she doesn’t have the opportunity to receive immediate assistance in the case of a real emergency. I am not saying that immediate assistance is necessarily what Agafia would even want, but the acknowledgement of the different situations and privileges that lie between the cracks of the research relationship are important to note.

Ethical Considerations

There is a long list of required considerations when we think about potential ethical violations of visiting and researching Agafia in such a secluded place. While I watched the documentary I noticed that much of it was in subtitles, which was relevant for the audience because Agafia’s words, thoughts, and prayers were being said by her and being translated directly to the viewer. Power plays an important role in this seemingly unimportant point. The documentary crew did a good job of letting much of the documentary be about Agafia, and her speaking about a number of things, without interfering too much. The crew could have misrepresented her story and her identity if they wished, and there would be nothing Agafia would be able to do about it. It is the duty of the researcher to create an egalitarian relationship, from which a story can be passed along, not recreated. There also are ethical considerations relating to Agafia’s informed consent of being filmed, interviewed, and visited in the first place. The crew must have also needed to make sure they were not harming her in any way, as the history has shown, previous visitors spread disease and infected the rest of her family.

What would I do as a researcher?

I think the team of documentarians did a good job with this story. If I was given this opportunity, I would take a lot of time to think and analyze my role and my goal as a researcher. I believe it should be to provide a platform from which to convey information. My job as a researcher is not to be a part of the story, or make the story, or recreate the story, but to let the story live and give others a lens from which to see the story. I would try to keep cameras and typical “documentary” gear to a minimum, to get as close as possible to the raw information, and unedited emotions of Agafia and her family’s history. I look forward to seeing what you all think, and any other ethical considerations, or things you would make sure to focus on as a qualitative researcher in this delicate storyline!

Hay, I. (2016). Qualitative Research Methods in Human Geography. Toronto. Oxford University Press.

Hooykaas, A. (2021). Week 2: Philosophy, Power, Politics, and Research Design [PowerPoint]. GEOG2260, Guelph University.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tt2AYafET68&ab_channel=VICE

tngeog2260

Hey Aden,

After watching the film and being asked to unpack the researchers invisible backpack I was unclear as to what it was asking. After a quick Google search I found an article by Peggy McIntosh explaining the invisible backpack we were supposed to reflect on. It made me think about all the accommodation and resources we have right at the edge of our fingertips. Your point about the helicopter coming back for the researchers in a couple days to take them back to civilization and how Agafia is left alone without immediate assistance made me think how crazy it really is for a 70+ year lady to be living in the mountain surviving off the land and providing for not only herself but also helping her one legged neighbour Yerofei.

I totally agree with your point on taking time to analyze how you want your research to be perceived. As a researcher you are not the story you are trying to share someone else’s story in such research. Having a correct narrative and making sure the consumers are getting the most out of the message you are trying to share. I think John Martin and his team put together a great film on how incredible Agafia and her family's story is, from escaping from Stalin’s dictatorship.

Question for you Aden, Would you do research in such a fashion? Flying to a remote location of the world and living like the locals do? Agafia’s way of life for example or the peoples of Kiribati? And how long would you be willing to stay there? One week? Couple months?

Teddy

Agafia’s Oasis

Agafia Lykov lives in the Sayan Mountains of Siberia near the Erinat River, located 160 miles from the nearest town. She comes from a Russian family of six, she had two brothers and one sister. In 1936 Agafia’s father, Karp Lykov packed up and traveled across the Taiga to live in the mountains to escape the fear of oppression and death from Joseph Stalin, as Karp Lykov was an Old Believer. Old Believers were being killed or taken away from their families, and Agafia’s father decided to cut off any contact from society so they could continue their religious beliefs without fear of execution. The Lykov family would live in isolation for 40 years, living off the land and subsistence farming were ways of survival for the Lykovs, who were oblivious to World War II. In 1978, geologists flew overhead and noticed the Lykovs oasis, and later returned to study them. The eldest children contracted an illness, presumingly brought by the geologist and died, leaving Agafia as the only child. After Agafia’s parents had both passed away, she lived in the mountains alone for 25 years until one of the geologists Yerofei Sedov moved to a cabin down the road.

Research techniques carried out this short film Surviving in the Siberian Wilderness for 70 Years, were empirical research in the form of participation observation and interviews. Empirical research is the form of gaining knowledge through experiences rather than using theory or logic to conduct research. Participation observation is when a researcher engages in the study by building a relationship with those being studied. In this case John Martin, the producer and researcher, and Gleb, the Russian host, stayed with Agafia for a few days to really understand how Agafia lives and how difficult it can be. Throughout the research interviews were also held to gain perspective on life in the mountains. A translator was needed for the interviews and were both formal and informal interview styles. Direct questions were asked, a form of formal interview questions but also the interviewee was also given the opportunity to speak freely as they wish on certain topics, which is an example of an informal interview style.

Ethic considerations were made throughout the research. The researchers allowed Agafia to perform her religious practices by singing and prayers. There were no judgemental approaches to the creation of the film in the way she practiced her religion nor the way she lived. Cross-cultural research can be difficult to maintain ethical protocols but within the film documenting Agafia and her way of living was respectful and harmless. Respect is a major theme in ethics and one that can be easily misinterpreted, but John Martin and his production team did a great job.

Commenting on the researchers “invisible backpack” is an interesting perspective of the film and means no harm to the integrity to the difficult research done by these individuals. Early on it is mentioned that to reach Agafia’s cabin it is possible by a seven hour canoe ride in the winter or rough snowmobiles trails. The researchers took the option and pursued a more luxurious form of transportation, a helicopter. The researchers were also well dressed for the weather conditions wearing brand name winter apparel, compared to Agafia’s homemade clothing, such as skis made from wood she had cut down, mittens she made for herself as well. Although, it is not hard to have an “invisible backpack” when being compared with Agafia.

As a researcher conducting an assignment such as this would be very interesting to me. Traveling to foreign, remote areas of the world would be an amazing opportunity. Ethical measures I would have to practice would be to not invade one’s living environment and in the same realm try to build a relationship. A relationship with trust and good intentions to gain and tell a unique story about the way in which an individual like Agafia or groups of people like the Kiribati people live.

Thank you,

Teddy Nichol

awgeog2260

The Future is Uncertain

In this specific research example I believe direct power roles may be at play. The Kiribati government and peoples explained in this video that they need the help of other countries to reduce their carbon emission if their islands have any hope for the future. Myself, a university student from Canada, a country with a large amount of industrial activity, being the researcher in this research example means that I have the opportunity to share the information I obtain with people at the university who may have more of an opportunity to influence Government and Industry decisions regarding climate change mitigation in Canada. I think this could be a weak argument considering I do not have any legislative power myself, but I think that this situation could be classified as directly powerful. In this case I think this power role would encourage the Kiribati peoples to tell the researcher all the information about the islands’ current issues and their needs, and it would be the researcher’s job to tell their stories as clearly as possible.

I think that intersubjectivity in the research process would be best suited in this example. This is a research relationship that requires insight from both the participants and the researcher to create meaningful research that could be the catalyst for effective change internationally. Also, due to the fact that I would likely travel to Kiribati to get the most out of the research project, I would need to adapt to changing dynamics by talking with as many people as possible, and getting as many perspectives as possible on the islands. This is a time-sensitive task, as the islands of Kiribati continue to sink under sea level. The situation is evolving by the minute. I would need to be very active in interacting with the participants, as to not waste time. The youth activists, government, students, and community members input into how to save these islands is crucial. Their efforts at planting mangroves to save the coastline and their own research is successful because they know the place, they have been there for many generations. Also, I think my personal input as a person with education on environmental politics and physical geography could add to these interactions. This is an issue that requires many perspectives and areas of expertise.

I would use both ethnographic approaches and historical approaches in my research. I think these types of research would be best because I would focus on the community and the phenomena happening there while also evaluating the history of sea level rise and its present and future effects in this region. In addition I would need to use historical research of global carbon emissions and sea level riseI would use qualitative approaches such as oral storytelling, like the researcher in the initial video. Hay states, “The use of such techniques also enables the researcher to engage with their local, academic, and surrounding communities in a process of knowledge exchange that can empower and give voice to the researched as well as the researcher” (Hay, I., 2016, p.9-10). Using oral storying to collect data may help to understand ancestral ways of protecting the coastline and adapt that into finding new ways to mitigate the effects of climate change in Kiribati. Hay also says that, “The richness of information, and its validity and meaning, is more dependent on the abilities of the researcher than on size of sample” (Hay, I., 2016, p.125). I would not necessarily have to collect oral data from the majority of the Kiribati people. Instead I would need to talk to the right people. I would need to collect data from a variety of sources and people who are directly affected by sea level rise in Kiribati to collaboratively create a plan to move forward.

This would all be a difficult task considering the tragedy that is prevailing in Kiribati, but applying these methods and approaches I believe would serve the community best.

tngeog2260

Hey Alanna,

I agree with you when you talk about direct power and how important it is for the Kiribati people and others around the world to lower our carbon emissions. This is a situation where long term effects can shape the way we live and practice our cultures. In the video, the elder explained she does not want her grandchildren to lose their culture and religion because of the flooding caused by climate change.

You then related the issue of carbon emission here in Canada. Canada is a diverse country when it comes to industries, which is a positive for the economy but stressful on the environment. Not only does our industries involve heavy carbon emissions, for example, smoke stacks in the Hamilton steel factories, they also have direct and immediate impact on the environment, logging for example. Out west the mass clear cutting being done for developmental purposes not only produces high levels of carbon but eliminates oxygen from big strong trees.

Again I agree that as University students our voices are limited on an influencer's level, but our platform given to us by the University has potential for people around the world to hear the Sinking Islands of Kiribati story and make a change in their carbon emission levels.

Ted

Help Kiribati from Sinking

As a geography student at the University of Guelph and learning about the struggles of Kiribati and the neighbouring islands where many people call home, it strikes a chord in me to help in any way possible. Many people are being forced to abandon their homes and heritage for reasons relating to climate change. King tides are so high communities where hundreds of people once lived are now floating wastelands. Kiribati and the thirty-three surrounding islands are located in the South Pacific Ocean along the equator. They are the first to feel the effects of climate change and unfortunately the small sample size of what could happen if global temperatures continue to rise and melt Northern and Southern glaciers.

I think both direct and indirect power are present in this research. Throughout the research presented in this short film they talk about what needs to be done now by industrial countries to help preserve the Kiribati Islands. This is a form of direct power, calling for change in policies and immediate action to slow down climate change. Furthermore, indirect power is also present. Indirect power stems from the stories told by researchers about their participants' lives and current situations and allows the world to gain a perspective of the research and perceive as they may.

To efficiently conduct research and find solutions to help the Kiribati peoples, intersubjective research is the strongest method to obtain this. Beginning by integrating my life into the style of living the native peoples are currently living in. As a sociology major I can apply my knowledge of minor anthropology approaches and conduct ethnographic research on the culture and community to gain a better understanding and relationship with the locals. By doing so and having a strong bond we can work together to find ways for funding and assistance from more powerful countries.

A geographic approach that I would use would be a historical approach and action-oriented. By using a historical approach, it allows the researcher to dive into the culture and religion of the research group. Day uses a historical approach when talking with local women, exploring their ancestors and how they used the land and sea for resources. The action-oriented approach would be useful in this research to plan for the future and find ways to tackle the hard issues Kiribati is faced with. Actions such as mission trips help rebuild ocean walls, building and food supplies sent and refugee assist programs for youth who are interested in moving to main land countries for education and employment opportunities.

Actions are needed now to help save the Kiribati Islands and industrial countries must become aware of that. In hopes for immediate actions, planning for the future is also necessary. Having refugee and migrant programs available is very important for the Kiribati people.

Thanks for reading,

Ted Nichol

amfgeog2260

Where to?

My pathway of interest towards geography and the natural environment most likely started from my parents. I don’t think that my interest for these topics sparked until much later on in my life, but my appreciation for the natural world was enhanced by the appreciation that they have for the natural world. For the past three years my area of study has been International Development, which has allowed me to explore an array of interdisciplinary subjects and courses from human rights, to economics, to environmental science and so on. I have added geography or environment related courses to my schedule whenever possible during my time at the University of Guelph. Having said that, I always tended to be more interested in human interaction, human issues, and larger societal issues. In this past semester I was tasked with deciding specifically an “area of emphasis” within my program, which is the same time that I started to recognize that environmental and geographic related studies are not necessarily different from human ones. I chose to emphasize my program towards environment and development, which seems appropriate in connection with this course. I am very interested in the idea of development, which is directly related to geography and environmental issues, and are usually a product of actions made by humans.

Learning the interconnectedness of environment, development, and humans at the University of Guelph has allowed me to be more conscientious and aware of the information I am being given. Not to bring this riveting description of my academic experiences to a political halt, but we can agree that the power of misinformation has increasingly impacted the ability of reliable information to prevail. That is why learning in a forum like the University allows me to learn the skills and be properly equipped with the tools to evaluate information. Over the past three years I have learned how important the process of proper research is, and using peer-reviewed and academic sources can increase my confidence in reliable information during the research process. The library allows us a tool called Omni which has been increasingly helpful as my academic career progresses. It allows me to refine my search to filter out any information that is not a peer-reviewed or academic journal article. The final, and I would argue most important source I get a lot of information is the professors and teachers who have sparked my interest in environment related topics throughout my schooling. Learning reliable and worthwhile information from professors who themselves are interested in the same topics has helped me shape my own interests, and helped me refine my degree to where I am now.

There are of course hundreds of sources and reasons why geography and environmental issues are of interest to me, but I hope this short blog post gives you some small insight into my interests and pathway in school. I will conclude by sharing the important realization that I don’t need to pick natural environments or human environments as “more interesting”, but that the interconnectedness of the two is an area of study in itself which interests me!

I look forward to learning together, and look forward to hearing what draws you all to geography!

tngeog2260

Hey Aden!

Reading your blog and getting to know more about you was enjoyable for me, but it almost seems funny because we have seen so much of each other over the past two and a half season of hockey at the “Shiver Dome” as we like to call it, because it is so cold in there. I am really glad this course has given us the opportunity to further our friendship and I cannot wait to get back practicing and playing hopefully soon. I’ll buy you a coffee to keep you warm on the zamboni!

Furthermore, reading your blog and learning more about your interest and program was fun. One question, how did your parents ‘drive’ you towards geography and the natural environment? I too like to learn about human interaction and human issues, as my major is sociology. I find it really cool to be able to understand why people act the way they do in many different situations. Your connection between the environment and geography to your interest in human development was cool, seeing as environmental concerns often tend from human action, positively and negatively.

Over the last five semesters I too have learned ways in finding credible sources and relying on the outlet to help gain better understanding in specific areas of knowledge. Omni is a great one for example. Many different ways in gaining great information.

Thanks for responding to my blog and I enjoyed yours very much.

Go Gryphs!

Teddy

Introducing Myself and Where I Consume Knowledge

Hello everyone! My name is Ted Nichol, I just wanted to quickly introduce myself. I’m a third year sociology major and minor in geography. I also am a third year hockey player on the University of Guelph Men’s Hockey Team. We were very fortunate last year to finish our season before the lockdown and win the 109th OUA Queens Cup in a thrilling triple OT game. I clearly love hockey and many other sports including golf, baseball, water sports etc. Currently living at home in a small little town, approx. an hour away from Guelph.

Firstly, why am I drawn to geography? I took a class in first year, human impact on the environment and really enjoyed learning about the ways in which humans can affect the environment with our everyday lives, knowingly and unknowingly and positively and negatively. A main interested of mine surrounding geography is tourism and the impact positive and negatively it has. I am looking forward to this course for reasons being that the qualitative research methods can be applied to geography and sociology. Interacting with others through group-thinking, interviews and first hand experiences.

Secondly, as a consumer of knowledge and information I tend to use many different outlets to gain understanding of the world’s news and other interesting studies. The main source would be local, national and global news networks on TV. We can all agree that news programs such as CTV, CNN and Global News are reliable sources that present credible news from around the world. Another source would be Twitter feeds from said programs. It is an easy way to look up and search what you are interested in and a rather efficient source. Shifting gears to a more academic realm, the Guelph Library would be my main source of knowledge. Peer-reviewed articles, books, textbooks and documentaries are a very good source for information.

Thank you all who took the time to read my first ever blog and excited for the semester with you.

Ted Nichol

Disclaimer

This blog was created for Applied Human Geography (GEOG2260) University of Guelph

The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of the University of Guelph.

The University of Guelph is not responsible for the accuracy of any of the information supplied by this blog

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