History

Historical documents and LCSH subject headings may not refer to Indigenous cultures in terminology that is considered culturally appropriate or sensitive.  Depending on your research, you may find that pejorative and/or outdated terminology is used. You may also find that there are variations in terminology or spellings used by indigenous peoples, researchers, and colonizers. For example, the Gabrieleño, Tongva, and Kizh are all names which have been applied to the indigenous people of the Los Angeles basin and may be found in the literature (although today Gabrieleño is not preferred). While researching indigenous peoples it is important to be aware that the ways colonial institutions such as the government, academic research institutions, and libraries present indigenous subjects may not always accurately represent the lived experiences of members of these communities.