Indigenous Topics
Search Tips
Following a Good Strategy
When beginning your search, follow some basic steps in two stages for effective researching.
AND, OR, NOT
When using search engines or databases, use boolean operators to restrict or expand results.Some search engines will provide additional boxes in "advanced search".
For an animated example, visit http://libguides.uleth.ca/c.php?g=256456&p=1711786
Truncation searches allow you to retrieve more results by including spelling variations of a term.
General Search Terms
For a more detailed and complete guide to terminology, see the Canadian Government publication "Terminology Guide: Research on Aboriginal Heritage", linked here or found on the Library and Archives Canada website for a breakdown of commonly used terms before beginning your search.
The following are common terms used in publications across various sources.
|
Aboriginal |
Indigenous |
|
Native |
Indian |
|
First Nation |
Metis |
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Inuit |
Treaty |
|
Indians of North America |
Canadian |
Specific Search Terms
You may also find combination of general terms and specific terms helpful. For example, "Linguistics; Blackfoot; and Indians of North America" will restrict searches better than only Blackfoot.
|
Blackfoot |
Cree |
|
Sarcee |
Tsilhqot'in |
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Dene Suline/Chipewya |
Athabaskan |
|
Carrier |
Siouan |
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Chilcotin |
Stoney (Nakoda) |
It is also important to account for spelling variations. For example, the modern Sarcee can also be spelt Sarci, or Tsuu T'ina may be spelt Tsu Tina.
Calgary Stampede (McDermid Drug Co. Ltd. 19??)