While doing research, it is a common practice to cite. Citation has the following purposes:
The three most-commonly used citation styles (MLA, APA, and Chicago) are based on the colonial knowledge systems and structures, and therefore, might be inadequate in representing Indigenous knowledges. The formal APA and MLA styles do not have a format for Indigenous knowledge keepers and elders, who are custodians of Indigenous knowledge. BCIT has a collection of resources related to writing and citing, which describe citation styles in greater detail.
There are factors to consider when citing Indigenous Peoples' Traditional Knowledge. Has the information been recorded? Has the published works (especially older works) been thoroughly reviewed? Has it been determined that the said material is correct and appropriate? Answers to these questions often guides decisions related to citations.
In Lorisia MacLeod's More Than Personal Communication Templates For Citing Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers, citation templates for Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers have been introduced. This can be used as a guide to citing Indigenous knowledge and oral histories.
Elements of Indigenous style: a guide for writing by and about Indigenous Peoples by Gregory Younging, in his book Elements of Indigenous Style : A Guide for Writing By and About Indigenous Peoples contains principles, advice, and guidelines for writers, editors, and anyone else who are concerned with Indigenous knowledge and works. This book can be considered as an Indigenous style guide and learning aid for writing and communicating effectively, accurately, and respectfully about Indigenous knowledge systems.
We have included a few principles from this book, which is available in the BCIT library.
PRINCIPLE 1: THE PURPOSE OF INDIGENOUS STYLE
The purpose of Indigenous style is to product works that:
PRINCIPLE 2: WHEN INDIGENOUS STYLE AND CONVENTIONAL STYLES DISAGREE
Works by Indigenous authors or with Indigenous content should follow standard style references and house styles, except where these disagree with Indigenous style.
In these works, Indigenous style overrules other styles in case of disagreement.
PRINCIPLE 3: Principle 3: INDIGENOUS LITERATURE AND CANLIT
Indigenous Literatures are their own thing and not a subgroup of Canadian Literature. Indigenous Literatures frame the experiences of Indigenous histories, colonization, and contemporary realities. The audience is FOR Indigenous readers and provide non-Indigenous readers with context for these realities. Indigenous Literatures extend Sacred Stories and Oral Traditions that have existed long before Canada and Canadian Literature
PRINCIPLE 4: RECOGNIZING INDIGENOUS IDENTITY
Indigenous Peoples view themselves according to the following principles: