The following advice is part of the UniSQ Academic Success Webinar, Working Respectfully with First Nations Knowledges, prepared by First Nations Learning Advisors and UniSQ Librarians. See Library Events to find the next scheduled presentation of this webinar.
The following examples are not an exhaustive list but indicate some of the key areas where correct terminology and capitalisation are necessary and respectful.
To learn more see Table 4.1 Guide to writing respectfully about First Nations Australians (Fahey, 2024).
First Nations voices
When researching First Nations Peoples' Knowledges and Culture it is preferable to find and reference First Nations authors, creators and communities. It is important to be mindful of the unique and diverse experiences across the over 250 Nation groups that comprise First Nations Australia. Explore the UniSQ Library First Nations Resource Collection to find First Nations authors and co-authors.
Recent research
More recent research on a topic may include First Nations ways of knowing, being and doing. Where possible, use contemporary research.
Partnership and acknowledgment
When using secondary sources by non-Indigenous authors look for work that acknowledges contribution and partnership with First Nations Peoples or communities.
To learn more see 'Is the source appropriate for the research topic?' in Indigenous Referencing Guidance for Indigenous Knowledges (Faulkhead, S., Thorpe, K., Sentance, N., Booker, L. & Barrowcliffe, R., 2023) and the AIATSIS Guide to evaluating and selecting education resources (AIATSIS, 2022).
Provide context in your writing
Where known, include Nation and/or Language Group as well as location.
For example:
The Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), found that the spinifex was composed of remarkable nanofibers. This work was undertaken in collaboration with Indjalandji-Dhidhanu partners from the Dugalunji Community near Camoweal, Queensland (Nature Portfolio, n.d.).
Where these details have not been recorded refer to Aboriginal Knowledge, First Nations Knowledge or Indigenous Knowledge. If the author uses a preferred term, for example, Tyson Yunkaporta and Aboriginal Pedagogies, then use that term.
Interviews and personally held Knowledges
Interviews and personally held Knowledge can be cited using guidelines from Chapter 20 of the UniSQ APA 7 Guide or Chapter 18 of the UniSQ Harvard AGPS Guide.
Country as author
Some journal articles include Country as author. Apply the same formatting as a group or corporate author. For example, an article with 4 or more authors, referenced in APA 7 style:
Reference list
In-text
(Karulkiyalu Country et. al., 2020)
All images must be attributed
All use of images, symbols, video or cultural heritage must be referenced and/or include a copyright attribution statement depending on the referencing style your course uses. Provide context in your writing.
APA 7 requires images used in assignments include a copyright attribution. See Chapter 14. Images including tables in the APA 7 referenencing guide.
UniSQ Harvard AGPS does not require a copyright attribution. See Chapter 14. Images including tables in the Harvard AGPS guide. Some courses have specific requirments for acknowledging figures and images. Please speak to your examiner if images are part of your assessment.
