Testimony Knowledge: Indigenous Research of Land, Story and Visual Narrative/Filmmaking in Northeast China

Zhang, Hengtai (2025) Testimony Knowledge: Indigenous Research of Land, Story and Visual Narrative/Filmmaking in Northeast China. Doctoral thesis, University of Wales Trinity Saint David.

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Abstract

This dissertation introduces Indigenous theories to the study of ethnic minority cultures in Northeast China, aiming to develop a localized Indigenous research paradigm. It addresses two core questions: How have the identity and cultural expressions of ethnic minorities in Northeast China been shaped by historical changes in territorial belonging, and how do Indigenous visual narratives reconstruct ethnic identities within the context of modernization? This study engages in a cross-disciplinary dialogue, integrating Indigenous studies, visual anthropology, and post-colonial theories. It draws on the works of Indigenous scholars such as Jo-ann Archibald, Shawn Wilson, and Dorothy Christian to construct an analytical framework that emphasises the interconnectedness of land, storytelling, and cultural protocols in shaping Indigenous identities. Methodologically, it adopts qualitative approaches grounded in Indigenous research methodologies, including participant observation, in-depth interviews, oral history, and ethnographic filmmaking. These methods are employed to gather stories and experiences from local ethnic communities, visual artists, and filmmakers in Northeast China, with a focus on the Manchu, Sibe, Evenki, and Oroqen peoples. The findings reveal the complex negotiations of ethnic identity and cultural expression among Northeast China’s Indigenous communities amid the challenges of modernization. Through analysing ethnographic documentaries such as Gu Tao’s The Last Moose of Aoluguya (犴达罕, 2013) and Liu Yujia’s The Pale View of Hills (远山淡景, 2018), this study highlights the resilience and creativity of Indigenous peoples in maintaining cultural continuity while adapting to social changes. The author’s own documentary filming experience in Shifosi Village further illustrates the application of Indigenous theories in visual storytelling practices. The work contributes to expanding the horizons of Chinese ethnic minority studies by introducing Indigenous perspectives and decolonizing methodologies. It also enriches the global discourse on Indigenous visual sovereignty by grounding it in the Chinese context. Practically, it sheds light on the often-overlooked Indigenous cultures of Northeast China, providing a nuanced understanding of their historical struggles and contemporary aspirations. This dissertation not only bridges Indigenous studies with Chinese national minority research but also explores innovative ways to represent and empower Indigenous voices through visual narratives. It offers new perspectives for re-envisioning ethnic relations and cultural diversity in China under the context of globalization.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HM Sociology N Fine Arts > N Visual arts (General) For photography, see TR
Divisions:	Theses and Dissertations > Doctoral Theses
Depositing User:	Victoria Hankinson
Date Deposited:	06 May 2025 15:03
Last Modified:	06 May 2025 15:07
URI:	https://repository.uwtsd.ac.uk/id/eprint/3706

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