Protocols are respectful and ethical practices and processes for engaging with Indigenous peoples and communities.
Following appropriate protocols is essential to building meaningful relationships and honouring Indigenous knowledges and ways of doing.
Collaborating with Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community members helps to build and support lasting relationships with local Indigenous peoples and communities. It also brings Indigenous ways of knowing and cultural teachings into the university through oral tradition and personal interaction. After centuries of colonial practices of dispossession, assimilation, and the oppression of Indigenous peoples and their ways of life, it is essential to help create a space for Indigenous knowledge and presence at universities.
Indigenous Elder and Community Protocols
The Indigenous Directions Leadership Group of Concordia University created Indigenous Elder and Community Protocols: Guidelines for Acknowledging Territory Protocols for Working with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and Community Members (2019):
“It brings Indigenous ways of knowing and cultural teachings into the university through oral tradition and personal interaction. After centuries of colonial practices of dispossession, assimilation, and oppression of Indigenous peoples and their ways of life, it is essential to help create a space for Indigenous knowledge and presence at Universities.” (p.1)
This document was created for the purpose of assisting Concordia University faculty, staff, and students through the process of respectfully and ethically inviting, interacting, and/or collaborating with Indigenous peoples and communities. These guidelines and protocols may also aid in the development of policies and procedures concerning teaching, research, employment, and strategies for Indigenous community outreach and engagement.
Protocols for Connecting with Indigenous Communities
(e.g., for welcoming elders and guest speakers, creating partnerships between schools and students, initiating projects):
- Cultural Protocols from Canadian Universities
- How and When to Invite Indigenous Speakers to the Classroom
- Land and Peoples: Cultural Protocols
Welcoming/Teaching Indigenous Students in the Classroom
Guide to welcoming Indigenous Students [PDF]
Naming and Terminologies
In “Indigenous Writes: A Guide to First Nations, Métis & Inuit issues in Canada” Cree Métis author Chelsea Vowel states: “a lot of people who would like to talk about Indigenous issues honestly do not want to cause offence, and get very stressed out about the proper terms.” (p.8)
Vowel discusses the various terms in use, and guides readers in naming do’s and don’ts in an accessible way.