The First Nations, Métis and Inuit have long used their own words to name their people and territories. Contemporary researchers strive to be respectful and use this terminology when referring to Indigenous peoples. However there have been times when authors have referred to Indigenous peoples using words that were inappropriate and/or disrespectful. You may encounter these words when you do assignment research.
When selecting words to use in a database search, you may need to use both old and new terminology, as well as general and specific words to find relevant material. Here are a few examples:
General terms: Indigenous, Aboriginal, First Nations, Inuit, Métis, Native, First Peoples, Indian
Specific terms: Mi’kmaq, MicMac, Montagnais, Haudenosaunee, Iroquois, Ojibwe, Ojibway, Anishinaabe, Cree, Dene, Athapaska, Haisla, Sto:lo
Database search example: (Mi’kmaq OR Mi’kmaw OR MicMac) AND treaty
Note: In the Killam Library, you'll find many books on Indigenous topics in the locations numbered "E76" to "E99" on the 4th floor. However, relevant books can be found in other areas of the library too, depending on whether they're related to literature, social issues, justice, etc... Check the Novanet online catalogue for location codes (call numbers) of the topics that you need.
Killam Library call number locations:
4th Floor : A – N
3rd Floor : P – T
2nd Floor: U – Z , & Government documents
Ground floor: M
If the book or document that you need is not available through the Novanet libraries, you may wish to order the item through the Dalhousie Document Delivery service. This service is free of charge to Dalhousie students and faculty who hold a valid Dal ID card, and as long as you request delivery to a Dalhousie library.
