Writing and Research Resources
Much academic research and writing about underrepresented groups, including Indigenous peoples, has been historically conducted without cooperation of the peoples studied or written about. These resources provide suggestions for researching and writing in respectful and ethical ways.
Style Guides & Writing Resources
- Inclusive and Antiracist Writing (Simon Frasier University)Includes principles of inclusive and antiracist writing and further resources
- The Diversity Style GuideGathers definitions and information from numerous style guides, journalism organizations, and other resources. Created for journalists and other media professionals, but relevant to writers across disciplines and professions.
Elements of Indigenous Style: A Guide for Writing By and About Indigenous Peoples by Call Number: Available ONLINEISBN: 9781550597196Publication Date: 2018Elements of Indigenous Style provides guidelines to help writers, editors, and publishers produce material that reflects Indigenous people in an appropriate and respectful manner. Gregory Younging, a member of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation in Northern Manitoba, has been the managing editor of Theytus Books, the first Aboriginal-owned publishing house in Canada, for over 13 years. Elements of Indigenous Style evolved from the house style guide Gregory developed at Theytus in order to ensure content was consistent and respectful. This guide contains: A historical overview of the portrayal of Indigenous peoples in literature; Common errors and how to avoid them when writing about Indigenous peoples; Guidance on working in a culturally sensitive way; A discussion of problematic and preferred terminology; Suggestions for editorial guidelines.
- Indigenous Information Literacy (Rachel Chong)A brief, open-access book with best principles for working with Indigenous print and oral sources in academic research.
Indigenous Source Citation
Recommended citation examples for indigenous sources (APA, MLA, and Chicago styles): Pleas see Indigenous Information Literacy, Chapter 6 (Elder Citation). In that text, Rachel Chong explains that
"Elder & Traditional Knowledge Keeper citation is not yet officially used in APA, MLA or Chicago. These citations [in Chapter 6] were created in consultation with other Indigenous Librarians at NorQuest College and the University of British Columbia. Work is currently being done to advocate for Elder/Traditional Knowledge Keeper citation inclusion in the official citation guides."
More on APA style:
- APA Citation Style: Citing Indigenous Knowledge (Camosun College)
- APA style: Racial and ethnic identity: APA style includes these guidelines for writing about racial and ethnic identity in a respectful and inclusive way.
More on MLA style:
- How should Native American names be treated in works-cited-list entries? (MLA Style Center)