Paper Title
INDIVIDUAL AND COLLECTIVE AGENCY: RESEARCHING LIVED EXPERIENCE

Abstract
The theoretical framework for this study includes an autoethnographic research approach. The methodology provides the researcher with ample opportunities to document their first-hand impressions throughout the inquiry process and to use the respective journal entries as data. Each of the journal entries were captured using free association. The journal logs were an outcome of various community-based projects with Indigenous communities in 2015 across various regions in Ontario and Canada. Community members and other stakeholders engaged with the researcher in an ongoing dialogue of various topics related broadly to Indigenous Peoples’ self-determination. Several themes were saturated into a core category described as Individual and Collective Agency in the Context of Human Rights Advocacy. The presentation will detail Indigenous Peoples’ awareness and resilience to challenge inequitable systemic practices that violate their fundamental human rights. Keyword - Human Rights, Autoethnographic Research