We publish under two tracts which include Native Sciences Research and Native Sciences Art. When submitting the work for publication the creator(s) need to identify which tract they wish to be published under. All manuscripts submitted to the Journal of Native Sciences (JNS) should address issues that greatly affect the lives of Native and Indigenous peoples. For example, you should suggest a strategy or method that will have an impact on policy, law, social justice, and/or marginalization. Authors should also be mindful of the needs of others, including the four legged, finned, that which grows, the feathered, water, air, and mother earth.
The Journal of Native Sciences does not charge for publication services. However, JNS does accepts monetary donations to support the operational costs of maintaining the online journal.
Submit your articles by email.
Copyright
The copyright of all articles, works, etc. submitted to JNS for online publication will be held by the author(s). However, the author(s) grant JNS permission to distribute the work online for educational purposes. Please be aware that when graphics and art is published online copyright infringement can occur. Copyright owners can request to remove their work at anytime. By submission for publication, copyright owners agree to not hold JNS responsible for copyright infringement that may occur by a third party.
Tracts
Native Sciences Research
Manuscript submitted under this tract must include the following sections: Title, Name of Author(s), Abstract, Key Words, Introduction, Methodology, Results, Discussion, Conclusion, Giving Back, and Acknowledgment. Articles submitted under this track should be between 4,000 and 8,000 words, not including citations. Authors need to supply a biosketch of themselves (no more than 3 lines) and identify what Indigenous Nation you belong, if applicable. The Abstract, Introduction, Methodology, Results, Discussion, and Conclusion sections follow general format of most scientific papers. Abstracts should be no more than 200 words and italicized. The Giving Back section is a place where you can identify how your article gives back to Indigenous Peoples. For example, the research may have produce data or products that may be of value to Indigenous Peoples. You should also supply up to seven key words that are representative of the manuscript. Place bolded key words after the Abstract. The Acknowledgements section identifies who contributed to the research and discloses funding source(s) that supported the research.
Native Science Art
Sometimes art can be more powerful than written words. Education and science can always use art that not only conveys a wealth of information, but is also beautiful to look at. The idea with publishing art here is that your graphic will get used in education and scientific research. We will work with artist on how this can be best conveyed on a website platform to protect their interests and provide exposure. For example, we can provide a notices on how to cite the work.
Claims of Native or Indigenous Identity
The purpose of JNS is to provide space for Native and Indigenous authors and artists to show case their work. Without saying the lead author should be a Native, Indigenous, Aborigine, American Indian, and/or First Nations person. False claims of identity have been particularly rampant in Academia and the Arts. Therefore, JNS takes claims of Native or Indigenous identity seriously. When submitting the work for publication the lead author is required to identify which Nation, Tribe, Village, etc.
Writing Guidance
Citations in Text
The JNS utilizes the Chicago Style guide for citations in text. For example, the last name of the author should be provided first followed by the year of publication. Page number(s) must also be identified after year and separated by a comma.
EXAMPLE: An untold number of prairie plants were gathered by women, and the efforts of women were a necessity to maintaining tribal health and well-being (Hunn 1990, 37, Scheuerman and Finely 2008, 27, Davis, et al. 2015, 57-58)
References
Book
Boone, Lalia. 1988. Idaho Place Names A Geographical Dictionary. Moscow: University of Idaho.
Website
Nez Perce Historical Park. 2017. Plants. November 25. https://www.nps.gov/nepe/learn/nature/plants.htm.
Journal
Kuhnlein, H. V., and N. J. Turner. 1986. “Cow-parsnip (Heracleum lanatum Michx.): an indigenous vegetatable of native people of North America.” Journal of Ethnobiology 309-24.
Edited Volume Book
Sprague, R. 1998. “Palouse.” In Plateau, by D. E. Walker, 352-359. Washington D.C.: Smithsonian Institution.
Thesis/Dissertation
Davis, Cleve. 2010. A Comparative and Historical Linguistic Analysis of the Bannock Dialect of the Northern Paiute Language. Master of Science Thesis, Pocatello: Idaho State University.
Measurements
Measurements can be in either the metric or English system. Authors should carefully consider who is the intended audience of the manuscript and what measurement system will they understand best. For example, in the United States most Native Americans are familiar with the English system of measurements (e.g., acres, feet, etc.) better than the metric system. If the intended audience includes Native Americans from the United States it is recommended that authors use the English system. Use discretion on which system to use and make it easy for the intended audience.
Scientific Names
When referring to an organism the common name should be used first followed by the scientific name in italics. For example, Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa). It is not necessary to provide the authority of scientific names.
Figures, Tables, Photographs, and Art
Figures and tables should be placed near the text where they are introduced and centered. The caption of figures should be below the figure and above tables. Descriptions of figures, tables, photographs, and art should all be centered and provide enough information to stand alone. Figures can be either black and white or color, and must be saved at high resolution. Text used in figures must be legible. The font of figures and tables must be in italics. The column header of tables should be bold and repeated, if table spans multiple pages. It is the responsibility of the author to gain permission to use photographs and art as part of the publication process. Preferably the author should only use photographs in which they have written permission to use. In other words, make sure the people in your photograph give you consent to use their image. We do encourage the use of photographs and art, especially on the cover. All photographs and art must give credit to creator and/or copyright holder. Journal editors may require more information on credits used as part of the submission review process.
Use of Indigenous Language Words
When using Indigenous words, the text should be in italics. We do invite articles written in the heritage language of the author(s). Articles written in an Indigenous language must follow an established orthography, which must also be submitted with the English version of the article.
Use of Acronyms
Acronyms should not be used in the abstract and spelled out when first used in the body narrative.
Book Publishing
We are aspiring to be a source for book publication, especially books written by Indigenous peoples. Please contact the Editor to discuss book publishing potential and what JNS may be able to offer.