Elements of Indigenous Style: A Guide for Writing By and About Indigenous Peoples

Gregory Younging
Edited by Warren Cariou
Skip to product information

Elements of Indigenous Style: A Guide for Writing By and About Indigenous Peoples

Gregory Younging
Edited by Warren Cariou
Release date:
Regular price $34.52
Sale price $34.52 Regular price $0.00
Final Sale. No returns or exchanges.
Oversized: This item will be shipped by appointment through our delivery partner.
Overweight: This item will be shipped by appointment through our delivery partner.

Digital download

Immediate access in your Kobo library

Deliver to

In stock online. Free shipping on orders over $49

Buy online, pick up at Bay & Floor

Free pick up today

Find it in store

Out of stock

Found in: Community & Culture, Indigenous Voices

Earn 173 plum points and save more with plum Rewards. Learn more

View full details

Overview

CANADIAN256 PAGESENGLISH

Promotional Details

Overall rating: 5.0 / 5 from 5 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

Summary topics

Review topics: ["story","read","content"].

Review highlights

Reviews

Must have editing for Indigenous content

"Rather than acting as a rigid rulebook, Younging’s guide functions as an invitation to approach Indigenous content with humility, cultural sensitivity, and collaboration. It challenges colonial assumptions that have shaped publishing norms and encourages writers, editors, journalists, academics, and institutions to rethink their approaches. The tone is accessible, educational, and at times firm — as it needs to be. Key Strengths: • Decolonizing Language: The book urges writers to use terms preferred by Indigenous communities themselves, reject outdated or imposed labels, and to capitalize names like Indigenous, Elder, and specific Nation names as a sign of respect. • Community Engagement: One of the core messages is the importance of consulting with Indigenous people when telling Indigenous stories. Younging emphasizes that lived experience, oral traditions, and Indigenous knowledge systems are authoritative sources. • Clarity Without Oversimplification: The book strikes a balance between being instructional and being thoughtful. It’s clear enough for general readers but also valuable for scholars, publishers, and policy makers. • Ethical Guidance: It offers more than just grammar rules or stylistic preferences — it calls for an ethical approach rooted in truth-telling, recognition of colonial histories, and the support of Indigenous resurgence. Who It’s For: Anyone involved in writing, editing, publishing, or teaching content related to Indigenous Peoples. It’s especially critical for non-Indigenous writers who want to ensure their work is not perpetuating harm or misrepresentation."

Tamara (5/5)

Excellent Indigenous style guide

"I was pleased to receive a personally signed copy at the launch of the first version of this book . . . and am so pleased to now have the second version as well. It is exceptionally well developed and as an editor, a writer, and with close Indigenous ties, I highly recommend this book to all writers and publishers who wish to include Indigenous issues and stories in their books."

Norma (5/5)

School textbook

"I purchased this as a textbook for a college class online and it's been a really interesting read."

Angie (5/5)

Excellent Source

"An excellent source. A must-use reference guide when writing academically or for a public audience! Super easy to navigate and use."

Kate (5/5)

Great book

"For anyone looking to engage in writing with and about indigenous people this is essential reading"

Fglatz (5/5)

Q&A

  • Published date: Jan 13, 2025
  • Language: English
  • No. of Pages: 256
  • Publisher: Brush Education
  • ISBN: 9781550599459
  • Dimensions: 5.5" W x 0.65" L x 7.5" H
An already integral book made even more relevant and insightful. This new edition continues to teach us about the work still needed to indigenize publishing and literary practices. - Billy-Ray Belcourt, author of Coexistence, Member of Driftpile Cree Nation
Gregory Younging, Opaskwayak Cree Nation, was the publisher of Theytus Books, the first Indigenous-owned publishing house in Canada. Elements of Indigenous Style began as the house style Gregory developed at Theytus. Gregory also taught in the Indigenous Studies Program of the University of British Columbia, Okanagan, and he served as assistant director of research to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

Recently Viewed