As a researcher, we must strive to do no harm. And yet, when learning and writing about people from cultures other than your own, the risk of misrepresentation is high. Respectful researchers evaluate their sources, check their language, and follow ethical research methodology.
Asking questions such as Who created this? Why was it created? Who was it created for? How was this information gathered? Is this information current? are always important questions to ask about your sources. When studying Indigenous topics, the answers to these questions become even more important due to the ongoing impact of colonialism and marginalization against Indigenous communities.
Whenever possible, choose sources that:
Browse the Evaluating Websites guide for general strategies for evaluating credibility.
The language you use matters. Check your own writing for accuracy and respectful terminology. Familiarize yourself with these helpful guidelines:
When doing original research (ex. surveys, interviews, etc), recognize the ways in which researchers have reinforced colonial structures in the past. Determine to educate yourself on the cultures and cultural protocols of the Indigenous groups you intend to study and follow ethical research methodologies. Your research should strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities, celebrate Indigenous culture and heritage, and empower Indigenous communities through mutual knowledge-sharing and reciprocity.
Research Guidelines with Indigenous Peoples by 
Elements of Indigenous Style by 
Decolonizing Methodologies: Research and Indigenous peoples by 
Indigenous Research by 
Indigenous Research Ethics by 
