Biography
Linda Tuhiwai Smith is a Māori scholar from Aotearoa/New Zealand, recognised for her contributions to Indigenous studies, education and the transformation of research methodologies. Her career has linked the production of knowledge to Indigenous peoples' struggles for self-determination, cultural revitalisation and control over the ways in which their communities and histories are researched.
Her book Decolonizing Methodologies: Research and Indigenous Peoples (1999) is a decisive reference for examining the historical relationship between academic research, colonialism and power. It challenges claims of neutrality in scientific practices grounded in colonial relations and proposes recognising Indigenous peoples' priorities, knowledge and agency in research design.
Smith has held academic and leadership responsibilities connected with Māori education and Indigenous research and has contributed to the training of new generations of researchers. Her work has broadened international debate on epistemic authority, research ethics and the possibilities of building knowledge institutions accountable to the communities they study.
Published books