The formal APA and MLA styles do not have a format to acknowledge Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers as a reference. Lorisia MacLeod of The Alberta Library, and formerly of Norquest College Library includes these suggestions in the spirit of wahkôhtowin and reconciliation. For more information on Indigenous Knowledge and Research, consult the University of Alberta’s Indigenous Research Guide.

APA Style

In-text citations

Unlike other personal communications, Elders and Knowledge Keepers should be cited in-text and in the reference list. The in-text citation format should follow the same guidelines as noted in the paraphrase and direct quote tabs:

Delores Cardinal described the nature of the… (2004).

OR

The nature of the place was… (Cardinal, 2004).

The citation format for the reference list follows the following format:

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.

For example:

Cardinal, D., Goodfish Lake Cree Nation. Treaty 6. Lives in Edmonton. Oral teaching. personal communication. April 4, 2004.

* Use hanging indent paragraph style: after the first line of each citation, indent 0.5″ from the left margin

** note that “personal communication.” is in regular letters instead of caps that are used under APA style guide’s “Personal Interview.”

 

MLA Style

In-text citations

Unlike most other personal communications, Elders and Knowledge Keepers should be cited in-text and in the reference list. The in-text citation format should be formatted as:

Delores Cardinal described the nature of the…

OR

The nature of the place was… (Cardinal).

The citation format for the reference list follows the following format:

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. 

For example:

Cardinal, Delores., Goodfish Lake Cree Nation. Treaty 6. Lives in Edmonton. Oral teaching. 4 April 2004. 

* Use hanging indent paragraph style: after the first line of each citation, indent 0.5″ from the left margin

**Consult with the Elder or Knowledge Keeper about the method of citation. If you would like to approach an Elder or Knowledge Keeper for teachings, remember to follow protocol. If you are unsure what their protocol is, please ask ahead of time.

Source: https://libguides.norquest.ca/