MLA Citation Style 9th Edition

The formal MLA style does not have a format for Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers so NorQuest College has developed this citation style in the spirit of wahkôhtowin and reconciliation. It has been adapted with their permission. 

In-Text Citation

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:

Citation Format

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

1. Last name, First name.

2. Nation/Community.

3. Treaty Territory if applicable.

4. City/Community they live in if applicable.

5. Topic/subject of communication if applicable.

6. Date Month, Year.

Example

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.

The formal MLA Style does not have an official format for Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers. This video includes guidance developed by Indigenous librarians at NorQuest College, UBC's X̱wi7x̱wa Library, and Simon Fraser University. Please note it may not align exactly with the guidance adapted from NorQuest College above.

Indigenous Information Literacy - MLA Elder Citation by Rachel Chong at KPU Library (2021).

Treaties may be cited as legal documents/legislation or as primary documents/archival materials.