Skip to Main Content

Indigenous Studies

Liaison Librarian

Profile Photo
Kathleen Oakey

Kathleen is currently away on faculty sabbatical. Research questions can be directed to library@sheridancollege.ca for help.

Start Here

This guide provides help for Sheridan students studying Indigenous peoples in Canada. Indigenous Studies is an interdisciplinary field, drawing on many aspects of Indigenous knowledge, history, and contemporary experiences. Find lists of resources that are available through the Sheridan Library or on the web, as well as research tips to help you out.

Before you Begin...

Researchers and other writers have used many terms for Indigenous peoples throughout the years, depending on the context, discipline, and trends at the time. When searching, you may need to try multiple keywords to find sources. For example, try ("First Nations" OR Indigenous OR Native) to expand your search results.

Alt text
  • First Nations, Inuit, Metis
    Separate, distinct Indigenous groups within Canada
  • Indigenous, Aboriginal 
    Can refer to all or specific Indigenous groups globally
  • Native Peoples, Native Canadians
    Popularly used during the late 20th century

You may also find that Indigenous peoples have often been identified by anglicized names for specific nations or bands (ex. Iroquois, Huron), or linguistic or cultural groups (ex. Prairie or Woodlands). Nowadays, respectful researchers identify Indigenous peoples by the names they call themselves (ex. Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee).

To learn more about selecting keywords, choosing a topic, and more, go to Planning your Research.

Decolonizing the Collection

The Canadian college library community recognizes that library systems are built on Western and colonial constructs that are harmful to Indigenous peoples and do not accurately represent them. While these structures allow us to work with libraries around the world, they do not always reflect the Library’s commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and decolonization. We are working and learning within a global and local library context to create greater inclusivity within our systems of knowledge. Libraries at every level are educating themselves and taking action. Learn more...

Sheridan sits on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nations, Anishinaabe Nation, Huron-Wendat and the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. We are honoured to work and live on this land.