Module 3: Creation and Curation (19/25) -- Indigenous Digital Literacies

Module 3: Creation and Curation Protocols for Culturally Appropriate Knowledge Sharing Being culturally appropriate Careful consideration must be taken to understand Indigenous community protocols for knowledge sharing. We must know what is appropriate to share and determine where knowledge ownership lies. For example, the Indigenous Traditional Knowledges might belong to a Nation, a community, a family, or possibly an individual. Understand and follow protocols for appropriate use of Indigenous Traditional Knowledges “Although protocols have a strictly procedural and guidance function in many mainstream contexts, in Indigenous cultures they are considered sacred. Protocols are intentional agreements between Elders and knowledge-keepers, community members, the land and the Creator within a ceremony, practice or process.” —Cited from Guiding Protocols for Civic-Indigenous Engagement [PDF] (futurecitiescanada.ca) That is what we mean when we ask, does it lie with an individual, a set of individuals, a family, or the whole community? Learn how to follow the protocols of those whose land you are working on for responsible creation and curation. Indigenous communication protocols It is important to understand and differentiate the nuances between First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. Each Nation will have its own laws and ethics governing its ways of seeing and interpreting the world. The protocols featured here are culturally informed and place-based but are not exhaustive. Indigenous teachings and protocols are context-specific and dependent on the particular norms and practices of the particular Nation you are engaging with, as well as the nature of engagement. Learner notes Respecting Indigenous protocols, laws, and governance structures Indigenous communities can have different laws, governance systems, principles, protocols and ways of relating to the world around them. The holder of information can be hereditary, matriarchal, elected, a community spokesperson, or the whole community. Respecting how (and with whom) Indigenous communities may want to engage and build relationship with helps maintain a trusting relationship and honours reconciliation. Learner notes In alignment with UNDRIP, the best practice is for the writer of Indigenous content to be an Indigenous person. There’s no amount of training, formal education, and empathy that can replace lived experience. That being said, we understand that is not always possible. Indigenous content is a crucial endeavour that requires sensitivity, cultural awareness, and respect for another’s ways of seeing the world. Learner notes How to move forward in a good way Research the culture Prior to using another culture’s intellectual property, research and understand it, keeping in mind unconscious bias. Taking without respect, knowledge, or insight will ultimately lead to cultural misrepresentation and misappropriation. Learner notes Obtain free, prior, and informed consent Obtaining consent is man