Subject Guides: Research: Referencing Indigenous Knowledges

Referencing toolkit

Indigenous knowledges belong not only to individual authors, but to wider Nations, Countries or Language groups. When citing Indigenous Knowledges, where it is known, include the author’s Nation/Country/Language Group in in the in-text citation and reference list entry.

Terms related to Indigenous Peoples need to be capitalised, such as names of nations or groups (Cherokee, Wurundjeri) and words related to Indigenous culture (Oral Traditions, Traditional Custodian). This demonstrates respect for Indigenous Peoples and perspectives.

For more information on referencing Indigenous Knowledge visit

Critical appraisal tools for Indigenous research

The following articles describe the importance of adopting Quality Appraisal Tools (QAT) or Critical Appraisal Tools (CAT) that assess the quality of health research from the perspective of Indigenous and First Nations Peoples:

Assessing the quality of health research from an Indigenous perspective: the Aboriginal and Torres (2020)
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Quality Appraisal Tool (QAT) was developed using a modified Nominal Group and Delphi Techniques and the tool’s validity, reliability, and feasibility were assessed over three stages of independent piloting. National and international research guidelines were used as points of reference. Piloting of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander QAT with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous experts led to refinement of the tool.
Promoting cultural rigour through critical appraisal tools in First Nations peoples’ research (2020)
To highlight the emerging ethos of cultural rigour in the use of critical appraisal tools in research involving First Nations peoples.