NWP Learning Commons: Indigenous Studies: Writing & Citations

Writing Tips

When reading published works about Indigenous Peoples, be sure to critically consider whether the information is accurate and appropriate, especially if the works are older, as these may contain biases or inaccurate/misleading information.
Capitalize words for specific groups (e.g., Cree, Ojibwe) and culture-related words (e.g., the Creator, Creation, Elder, Traditional Knowledge, Oral Tradition, Vision Quest).
When including information about Indigenous Peoples or traditions in your paper, work closely with Indigenous individuals to ensure that the information is shared appropriately, accurately, and in a way that preserves the integrity of Indigenous perspectives, including in matters of copyright and authorship.

Guides to Elder Protocols

Appropriate respect should be paid toward Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and Cultural Advisors when consulting with communities or inviting individuals to participate in events, meetings, or classes. Several documents outline general Protocols for interacting with Elders (linked below).

Be aware that Protocols and expectations differ based on the community, the individual, and the specific nature of the request. If you are unsure of how to proceed, it is generally polite to ask.

Elder Protocol and Guidelines
A handbook on working respectfully with Elders and communities through the Council of Aboriginal Initiatives at the University of Alberta.
Stepping Stones: Elder Protocol
A primer on protocols for inviting Elders, Knowledge Keepers, or Cultural Advisors to to participate in meetings or events. Created by the Alberta Teacher's Association.
First Nation Elder Protocol
A blog post from Indigenous Corporate Training, Inc. on extending invitations to Elders, what to expect, and expectations of the the event/meeting host.
Working with Elders Guidelines
First Peoples' Cultural Council developed this free resource support anyone who is interested in engaging with Elders; who requires the assistance of Elders for a project or event, whether Indigenous or non-Indigenous.

Guides to Elder Protocols created by NorQuest College library staff is available at https://libguides.norquest.ca/IndigenousEducation/research. The content was adapted by the NWP Learning Commons in April 2025 to be consistent with NWP's other guides. The work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

Elements of Indigenous Style: A Guide for Writing By and About Indigenous Peoples by Gregory Younging
Call Number: PN 147 Y68 2018

ISBN: 9781550597165

Publication Date: 2018

"Elements 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."-- Provided by publisher
Indigenous Writes: A Guide to First Nations, Métis & Inuit Issues in Canada by Chelsea Vowel
Call Number: Internet Access

ISBN: 9781553796848

Publication Date: 2016

In Indigenous Writes, Chelsea Vowel, legal scholar, teacher, and intellectual, opens an important dialogue about the wider social beliefs associated with the relationship between Indigenous Peoples and Canada. In 31 essays, Chelsea explores the Indigenous experience from the time of contact to the present, through five categories--Terminology of Relationships; Culture and Identity; Myth-Busting; State Violence; and Land, Learning, Law, and Treaties.

TMU Four Directions Writing Guide
A guide to help Indigenous students with writing university level essays