Indigenizing Citations at Camosun

It's okay not to know

It can be confusing and overwhelming trying to cite sources respectfully. Citing may seem like a formulaic practice, with strict rules to follow, however, much of how we conduct research and cite is about choice. These choices include:

• The types of sources we choose (or are required) to use in our research assignments (e.g., books, text-based journal articles, newspapers, audio recordings, verbal communications, film, objects, art works, photographs).
• Which individuals and communities (scholarly, professional, identity-based, experience-based, etc.) we seek knowledge from.
• Where we choose to find our information (e.g., the land, academic libraries, open web, Elders and Knowledge Keepers, community members).

When creating citations we demonstrate the relationship between ourselves as authors (of a research paper, a presentation, creative work) and the authors, creators, or keepers of the knowledge we are incorporating into our own work.

When learning from and citing Elders and Knowledge Keepers it can feel like you are taking a risk. You may be concerned about not following the correct protocol(s), or inadvertently sharing sacred or spiritual information that may not be meant to be publicly shared (or shared within a secular context such as the education system).  

When citing Elders and Knowledge Keepers:

• Be clear in asking what information can and cannot be shared.
• Ask how to refer to the person you are learning from: this includes names, titles, communities, and locations.
• Locate yourself in your writing – add a flag or disclaimer in your written work in relation to citation. For example, indicate that you have worked to respectfully cite your sources and that you don't intent harm, or indicate where you are in your learning process.
• It's ok not to know – we are all students and learning is a life-long process.
• Embrace uncertainty and risk-taking – citations are about choice.
• Acknowledging mistakes and being accountable for making corrections are part of the citation process.

What to do if you've made a mistake

What should you do if you've made a mistake citing the knowledge of an Indigenous person? Perhaps you interviewed an Elder for an essay assignment. When you showed the essay to the Elder, they tell you they don't want to use the name you cited them as, or you shared a piece of information that was not meant to be shared.

• Ask the person how to address the mistake.
• Talk about what you could do next time – this is a process of learning
• Acknowledge and apologize for the mistake.
• Contact your instructor to let them know that the mistake happened and you would like to acknowledge it.
• Offer to correct the mistake. 

Remember, it is wise practice to ask the Elder or Knowledge Keeper if they would like to see your assignment before you submit it. This process will take time, however can help prevent mistakes before they happen.

TEDxYouth@Victoria - Bradley Dick - Honouring Tradition, January 2012
Bradley Dick (lək̓ʷəŋən First Nation) reflects on the meaning and importance of Indigenous protocols, knowledge sharing, and his own learning processes.
Running time: 13 minutes, 17 seconds

*Authentic Indigenous Voices