Research

Research Statement

In addition to being a storytelling and performance platform, Tipi Confessions serves as a research-creation initiative; a space for creative experimentation and action research. Our work is deeply informed by, and contributes to, scholarship in decolonial and critical sexualities and Indigenous relationality.

We approach sexuality and sexual health research through strength-based and desire-based frameworks, in contrast to the deficit-based and pathologizing frameworks that have long dominated Western historical and medical research, particularly in relation to Indigenous and marginalized communities. Our show and research practices are grounded in care, courage, vulnerability, humour, and joy.

At this time, we are not collecting any primary research data. 

We are currently engaged in foundational work: revisiting ethics and research guidelines, consulting with community, and identifying future directions that will benefit those we serve. Any future research activities will be clearly defined and distinguished from the broader project. We are committed to transparency and will clearly communicate which aspects of Tipi Confessions constitute formal research.

Our current focus includes building relationships and redefining our approach to research ethics and methodology. We are conducting secondary reviews of relationality and governance frameworks, especially within performance collectives, sexual health organizations, and Indigenous and mutual aid networks. We are also engaging with Indigenous Studies, Indigenous resurgence, and research-creation methodologies in art, storytelling, and performance, as well as queer and feminist studies of care, governance, relationality, sexuality, and sexual health education.

As co-researchers and community-engaged practitioners, Kirsten Lindquist and Brittany Johnson draw on complementary and overlapping areas of expertise:

• Lindquist’s research centers governance, kinship/relationality, diverse genders and sexualities, arts-based/research-creation methodologies, and queer and feminist ethics of care.

• Johnson’s research focuses on beadwork, reproductive and sexual health and justice, burlesque, performance art, Indigenous feminisms, and creative research.
  
  

Together, we aim to deepen Tipi Confessions’ role as a creative site of learning, advocacy, community engagement, and entertainment - especially in support of sexual and reproductive health and justice for Indigenous / 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities.

We are currently developing governance policy and practices, outlining our guiding principles, and future research goals. Transparency and accountability remain central to our process.