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Getting Started
Indigenous Studies is an interdisciplinary field grounded in the languages, histories, geographies, and contemporary experiences of Indigenous Peoples. It may, or may not, intersect with critical approaches, such as decolonization and colonial studies.
In her article "Who Stole Native American Studies?" (1997), Elizabeth Cook-Lynn suggests it centers on the two concepts of "Indigenousness (culture, place, and philosophy) and sovereignty (history and law)".
General Search Tip
When searching for information using the UBC Library Catalogue, Summon, or databases, remember that names of Indigenous nations and languages often change over time and spellings may vary. You may need to conduct multiple searches using a variety of search terms to find information about a particular Indigenous nation or language.
- Names of language dialects vary.
For example: Plains Cree is also known as the Y-dialect or Nehiyawewin.
Changes Over Time
- Names of languages change over time and also vary by different groups and academic disciplines. For example: Dane-zaa Záágéʔ is also called the Beaver language, Dakelh is also called the Carrier language.
Spelling Variations
- Consider spelling variations, especially for languages that have had multiple (or no) written systems.
- Classification systems in libraries and archives might use different spellings and ordering systems. For example: Stó:lō, Stó:lô, Stó:lõ, Stahlo, Staulo, Stolo, Stohlo, Sto:lo (group of people), Tsuut’ina, Sarcee, Sarsi, Tsuu T’ina, Tsu T’ina, Tsúùtínà (language).
Featured Resources
- Indigenous Foundations (UBC)This online resource offers an introduction to the histories, politics, and cultures of the Indigenous peoples of Canada.
- So you want to write about American Indians? A guide for writers, students, and scholars [e-book]By Devon Abbott Mihesuah (2005).
- Routledge handbook of critical indigenous studies byCall Number: EW H65 R68 2021Publication Date: 2021
- "Who are indigenous people?" factsheetUnited Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues' a short document that briefly discusses the term "Indigenous" and the questions of identity associated with the term.
- First Peoples' Cultural Council Language Map of British ColumbiaFPCC maintains an Index, which includes current and other names of nations, and a Language Index.
Terminology Resources
Terminology
"Terminology, particularly as it relates to Indigenous peoples, can be tricky to navigate. A term that might be acceptable to some might be offensive to others." -from Indigenous Foundations
- Indigenous Foundations - TerminologyInformation resource on key topics relating to the histories, politics, and cultures of the Indigenous peoples of Canada.
- Guide to B.C. First Nations' traditional territories byPublication Date: 2008Guide to pronunciations for B.C. First Nations.
- First Nations, Métis, and Inuit – Indigenous Ontology (FNMIIO)A working list of Indigenous names to better reflect how Indigenous people currently prefer to refer to themselves, this is a living document.
- UBC's Indigenous Peoples: Language GuidelinesAddresses terminology, acknowledgement, and recognition. Includes a resource list.
- Who Are Canada's Aboriginal Peoples?: Recognition, Definition, and Jurisdiction byCall Number: CA C43 W46 2002Publication Date: 2002This book emerged from a number of papers originally written for a conference held in Vancouver in 1998 by the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples
- Guide to the Pronunciation of Indigenous Communities and Organizations in BCGuide published by the BC provincial government for the pronunciation of Indigenous communities, nations and organizations in BC. (September 2018).