Indigenous Citation Guide

The MLA Handbook 9th Edition does not include explicit direction as to how to cite Indigenous Elders and Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, however they do include a section on 'Principles of Inclusive Language'

Citing Indigenous Elders and Indigenous Knowledge Keepers follows the general format of personal communication. However, rather than just citing this information and knowledge in-text, you must also include it in your Works Cited list. 

In-text citations are formatted as follows:

Delores Cardinal described the nature of the...

OR

The nature of the place was ... (Cardinal). 

For your Works Cited list the format is as follows:

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.

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

Note: If you would like to approach an Elder or Knowledge Keeper for teachings, remember to follow protocol or if you are unsure what their protocol is, please ask them ahead of time.