Indigenous Research

Who we cite matters because citation reproduces the inequalities in our disciplines or scholarship, as well as the larger world. Our citations can affirm colonial structures or citations can function as a powerful corrective; they can counter inequality rather than maintain it.

So, our citations tell what and who matters to us. They reveal our politics, sometimes unknowingly, to those who encounter our work. Since citation is a political act, not citing another's work is as well. Omissions matter as much as citations.

Ahmed, S. (2013). “Making Feminist Points.” Feministkilljoys.  http://feministkilljoys.com/2013/09/11/making-feminist-points/ 

Baker, K. (2019), "Citation Matters." https://www.wihe.com/article-details/124/citation-matters/.

The formal MLA and APA style do not have a format for Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers. 

NorQuest College has developed the following citation styles in the spirit of wahkôhtowin and reconciliation, and we thank them for sharing their template.

APA Style

Unlike other personal communications, Elders and Knowledge Keepers should be cited in-text and in the reference list.

In Text:

The in-text citation format should follow the same guidelines as noted in the paraphrase and direct quote tabs: 

Delores Cardinal described the nature of the... (2004). OR The nature of the place was... (Cardinal, 2004).

Reference:

The citation format for the reference list follows the following format:

Last name, First initial., Nation/Community. Treaty Territory if applicable. Where they live if applicable. Topic/subject of communication if applicable. personal communication. Month Date, Year.

               For example: Cardinal, D., Goodfish Lake Cree Nation. Treaty 6. Lives in Edmonton. Oral teaching. personal communication. April 4, 2004.

MLA Style

Unlike most other personal communications, Elders and Knowledge Keepers should be cited in-text and in the reference list.

In text:

The in-text citation format should be formatted as:

              Delores Cardinal described the nature of the... OR The nature of the place was... (Cardinal).

Reference Citation:

The citation format for the reference list follows the following format:

Last name, First name., Nation/Community. Treaty Territory if applicable. City/Community they live in if applicable. Topic/subject of communication if applicable. Date Month Year. 

             For Example: Cardinal, Delores., Goodfish Lake Cree Nation. Treaty 6. Lives in Edmonton. Oral teaching. 4 April 2004.

Note: If you would like to approach an Elder or Knowledge Keeper for teachings, remember to follow protocol or if you are unsure what their protocol is, please ask them ahead of time.

For more guidance in citing knowledge keepers and Indigenous knowledge sources, see this guide from James Cook University in Australia.