In Western academia, oral traditions have not been given the same status as the written word. Consequently, most of the citation conventions that have been developed focus on citing written texts, and do not provide guidelines for citing oral histories or communications beyond quick, informal correspondences. This perpetuates a lack of acknowledgement and respect for Indigenous sources of knowledge, such as oral teachings passed down by Knowledge Keepers and Elders. (For additional information, see the “Research Methodologies & Indigenous Ways of Knowing” section.)
Increasingly, efforts have been made to develop citation templates to appropriately cite Indigenous sources of knowledge, and style guidelines to bring more consistent formatting conventions into practice when writing about Indigenous communities and topics.
Terminology and style conventions related to Indigenous topics are continuously evolving, and there is no one definitive guide or standard practice. However, there are some existing guidelines that provide examples of ways to respectfully format writing about Native topics.
Elements of Indigenous Style: A Guide for Writing By and About Indigenous Peoples by Gregory Younging - This book offers style principles, terminology to use and avoid, advice on editing and publishing, how to collaborate respectfully with Indigenous Peoples, when and how to seek the advice of Elders, and how to respect Indigenous Oral Traditions and Traditional Knowledge. Younging is a member of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation, based in Canada, and some terminology guidelines may reflect preferences more relevant to Canadian nations than those of Indigenous peoples living in the United States.
Native Governance Center – Terminology Style Guide - This resource outlines the style conventions specific to Native Governance Center, which supports grassroots Native changemakers, elected Tribal leaders, and the 23 Native nations that share geography with Mni Sota Makoce, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
The following are two citation templates for citing Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers, proposed by Lorisia MacLeod in partnership with the NorQuest Indigenous Student Centre. For a further explanation of these templates, see MacLeod, Lorisia. 2021. More Than Personal Communication: Templates for Citing Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers. KULA: Knowledge Creation, Dissemination, and Preservation Studies 5(1). https://doi.org/10.18357/kula.135
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.
Example: Cardinal, D. Goodfish Lake Cree Nation. Treaty 6. Lives in Edmonton. Oral teaching. personal communication. April 4, 2004.
For more information on in-text and reference citations for Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers, see NorQuest College Library’s APA research guide.
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.
Example: Cardinal, Delores. Goodfish Lake Cree Nation. Treaty 6. Lives in Edmonton. Oral teaching. 4 April 2004.
