What is the project?

In an effort to engage with the calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the MLJ plans on establishing a unique approach to Indigenous sources of knowledge through our Cite Guide. This multi-year endeavour will include consultation with Indigenous knowledge holders all over Canada in an effort to build lasting relationships. We plan to have a section of the Cite Guide dedicated to Indigenous sources of knowledge in time for the printing of the 11th edition.

Why is it important?

Currently, most conventional Western citation styles have not devoted significant attention to Indigenous legal sources. This includes the McGill Cite Guide, which lacks a framework to guide individuals seeking to cite Indigenous sources of knowledge.

Many Indigenous sources of knowledge are unique to Indigenous peoples (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis). There is a great deal of work that must be done so that those who are engaging with Indigenous sources of knowledge in the context of Western legal systems may do so in an appropriate and respectful manner.

The goal of this project is to provide such a tool. This project presents several significant challenges, but with the support of Indigenous knowledge holders, the Faculty Advisory Council, The Advisory Board, and the rest of our community, we hope to achieve this goal.