Citing and referencing Indigenous knowledges

Critically analyse content

Terminology

It is important to understand the historical context in which language was used to describe cultural identities. Terminology used to describe Indigenous peoples in eras like the 1800’s or early – mid 1900s may not be appropriate for present day use. 

Keep in mind that language and cultural practices evolve. Consider using materials that have culturally inclusive language. Culturally inclusive language recognises biases, stereotypes, and Eurocentric perspectives. 

Users should try to locate material that uses more contemporary language about Indigenous people matters. As this shows respect for Indigenous people’s rights to self-determination and promotes anti-racist practices in an area of study.

Contemporary

There are legacy materials from the past on Indigenous knowledges. These materials were often published by non-Indigenous authors with a Eurocentric perspective.

Contemporary materials would be seen as not perpetuating outdated worldviews. Contemporary materials approach Indigenous knowledges in a respectful manner. Ideally incorporating Indigenous ways of being (ontology), knowing (epistemology) and doing (axiology).

Contemporary materials may even use data or information from legacy publications, but approach them through more diverse perspectives.

The shift to contemporary materials is happening at various stages across disciplines. What might be considered contemporary material in one discipline, might be outdated in another. Disciplines that typically move rapidly include Health and Technology.

Informed consent

In this context, informed consent is ethical principles that relates to how people and groups obtain and understand Indigenous knowledge. Also how holders of Indigenous knowledge agree to participate with people and groups seeking information.

Material that has informed consent with the relevant Indigenous community ensures that creators of the material have discussed and interpreted Indigenous knowledges correctly. 

Material where informed consent has not been obtained, means everything around Indigenous knowledge has not been explored with its community. The material would only provide the perspective of Indigenous knowledge from an individual. This individual might not be from the community that is the holder of the Indigenous knowledge, or even from an Indigenous background.

You can check if free, prior and informed consent has been part of the research and writing process:  

• Check the methods section of the paper to see if Indigenous participants gave their free, prior and informed consent to be part of the research. 
• Check that the Indigenous participants are listed as co-authors of the publication or as partners to the research.

Ways of being, knowing and doing

Indigenous knowledge systems have been developed over thousands of years, leading to different approaches to Western knowledge systems. Therefore, Indigenous perspectives in various fields of study and research is approached differently to Western perspectives. 

Material that you find which contains Indigenous knowledge should approach a subject holistically, through ways of being, knowing and doing. Believing that the subject is an interconnected part of something and can be explained only by reference to the whole. 

• Ways of being are about understanding ourselves in relation to others. It means recognising that our actions, reactions, and values are shaped by our interactions with others. It's about being aware that we are all connected and influence each other.
• Ways of knowing are about learning and understanding. This happens through social interactions, history, and specific times and places. Everyone has different knowledge that fits their role in a community. Learning and sharing knowledge within groups helps the community work well together.
• Ways of doing are about putting knowledge and understanding into action. Following the right ways to behave and showing our identities and roles through our actions.