Before You Cite

Choose one source you plan to use.

Ask yourself:

• Is this a primary source, secondary source, or index?

• Who created it?

• Is it in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi?

• Does it represent a community, institution, or individual?
   

Now write a full citation.

Then ask:

• Does your citation accurately reflect the creator?

• Have you preserved the original Hawaiian-language title?

• Does it include enough detail for someone else to find it?
   

Citation is not just formatting — it is acknowledgment.

 

Responsible Use of Archival Materials

If you are working with archival or genealogical materials:

• Are there cultural or family sensitivities involved?

• Are you representing the material respectfully?
  Are you extracting information without context?
   

Consider:

• Should additional explanation be provided when sharing this material?

• Are you assuming authority over knowledge that is not yours?
   

Ethical research requires awareness of impact.

 

Indigenous Data & AI Awareness

If using digital tools, including AI:

• Are you uploading culturally sensitive material?

• Are you aware of repository policies?

• Are you maintaining academic integrity?
   

Ask:

• Does this tool respect Indigenous data sovereignty?

• Am I preserving original context?
   

Technology does not remove responsibility.

 

Sharing with Kuleana

Before submitting or presenting your work:

• Have you cited sources accurately?

• Have you avoided misrepresentation?

• Have you contextualized sensitive materials?

• Are you centering appropriate voices?
   

Research is a form of stewardship.

 

Practical Reminders

When working with Hawaiian and Pacific sources:

• Retain Hawaiian-language titles in citations.

• Use correct spelling and diacritics when known.

• Distinguish between index entries and full texts.

• Respect repository guidelines.

• When uncertain, consult a librarian or archivist.