People and cultures have always exchanged and borrowed ideas from each other to create new forms of art and symbolic expression. Whether intentionally or not, most if not all human creations reflect varied sources of inspiration. Why, then, are some products negatively labelled “cultural appropriation” or their creators accused of disrespecting the very cultures they found inspiring? And why do products inspired from Indigenous cultural heritage seem to spark particularly strong reactions and pushback? This guide, developed by The Intellectual Property Issues in Cultural Heritage (IPinCH), unpacks these important questions. It provides advice to designers and marketers on why and how to avoid misappropriation, and underlines the mutual benefits of responsible collaborations with Indigenous artists and communities.
(Re)conciliation
14 articles
Interactive Territory, Treaty and Language Map (Native Land)
This resource, developed by Native Land, was created in order to offer a view of the territories, treaties and languages of Indigenous people across Canada. There are over 630 different First Nations in Canada, though this map does not represent or intend to represent official or legal boundaries of any Indigenous nations. The resource is interactive — you can toggle filters on and off and read more detailed information about specific nations through links to related sites. The website also features a section on territorial acknowledgements, which includes a brief introduction to acknowledging the land and suggestions of how to engage meaningfully with this practice.
Understanding Aboriginal Arts in Canada Today: A Review of Knowledge and Literature (Canada Council for the Arts)
This knowledge and literature review examines a broad range of material on Aboriginal arts in Canada. Recognizing the importance of oral traditions in Aboriginal knowledge transfer, it also includes information gathered through one-on-one interviews with six senior Aboriginal artists. The study is a component of the Aboriginal Arts Research Initiative (AARI), which aims to better understand the specificities of Aboriginal art practices, explore the impact of the arts within Aboriginal communities, investigate the impact of Aboriginal arts in Canada and internationally, and generate interest in research related to Aboriginal arts among other partners, both at national and provincial levels.
Impacts and Benefits Agreement – Indigenous Corporate Training (ICT)
This sample agreement form covers the foundation and significant matters that each party considers fundamental for the agreement.
Indigenous self-government – Indigenous Corporate Training (ICT)
This ebook provides an overview of what it is, why it matters plus some
examples of self-government agreements.
Indigenous Peoples: A Guide to Terminology – Indigenous Corporate Training (ICT)
This ebook provides some perspective on historical, political and community terminology, plus some definitions of common terms as well as tips regarding usage.
27 valuable “must do” tips for Working Effectively with Indigenous Peoples – Indigenous Corporate Training (ICT)
This guide is provided to help people avoid saying or doing the wrong
things. It’s based on content starting on page 174 of the Working Effectively with Aboriginal Peoples® book.
23 Tips on What Not to Say or Do when Working with Indigenous Peoples – Indigenous Corporate Training Inc. (ICT)
This guide is provided to help people avoid saying or doing the wrong
things.
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN)
The General Assembly, Taking note of the recommendation of the Human Rights Council contained in its resolution 1/2 of 29 June 2006,1 by which the Council adopted the text of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples,
Guidelines for working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis Elders (CACE)
The purpose of this document is to establish protocol and guidelines for working with Elders, to ensure consistency in extending invitations, respectful care, providing honouraria and compensation for additional costs. These guidelines are meant for students, faculty and staff of Carleton University, who will be working with Elders on- or off-campus, for university purposes. Any other organization can be inspired by these guidelines and adapt them to their own structure. This document was prepared by the Centre for Aboriginal Culture and Education at Carleton University.