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Inquire: Protocols (Sub-Module 1 of 3 of Inquire Module)
It's important to consider and follow protocols when engaging or interacting with Indigenous Peoples. Protocols go beyond manners or rules and involves respecting traditional ways of being. Protocols include prescribed behaviours on how to respectively interact with Indigenous Peoples, responsibly use Traditional Knowledge, and ethically conduct research involving Indigenous Peoples and their Land. Take note that protocols are unique and vary between Indigenous cultures and communities.
Before engaging with an Indigenous person, it is important to learn about their culture and the appropriate protocols for the situation. Observing and following protocols not only shows respect and acknowledgement for the value of Indigenous peoples and their culture, but also represent an important gesture towards reconciliation.
Source: Pulling Together: A Guide for Curriculum Developers (Asma-na-hi Antoine et al. | CC BY-NC)
Resources: Cultural Protocols
Cultural Protocols
Cultural protocols relate to prescribed formal behaviour on how to approach, engage, or interact with Indigenous Peoples. Some examples of cultural protocols include approaching an Elder or a Knowledge Keeper when inviting them to speak in a classroom or event, proper conduct when engaging with Indigenous communities and partners, acknowledging the traditional lands, and appropriate etiquette at Indigenous cultural events, such as a Powwows.
Examples
- Protocols for Approaching an Elder or Knowledge Keeper
- Protocol for Offering Tobacco
- Protocols Relating to Ceremonies, Cultural Celebrations, & Public Events
- Land or Territorial Acknowledgements
Video: Sweet Grass Braid
An overview of the Sweet Grass braid, one of the four sacred medicines.
Elders and Knowledge Keepers
Who are Elders?
Elders are recognized for their cultural knowledge and wisdom. Their “credentials” are not determined by a university or other institution, age, or gender; their credibility is built on trust gained from community and other knowledge holders, expertise from lived experience and oral transmission of knowledge, and their practice of generosity (Pulling Together: A Guide for Teachers and Instructors).
Who are Knowledge Keepers?
There are Indigenous knowledge keepers who may not yet be recognized as “Elders” but who nevertheless carry teachings and practices and are recognized for their expertise. This includes youth who are fluent speakers, cultural practitioners, and teachers of song, dance, stories, art, and environmental stewardship. Learning from Elders, these knowledge keepers are continuing the transmission, retention, and sharing of Indigenous knowledge systems (Pulling Together: A Guide for Teachers and Instructors).
Source: Pulling Together: A Guide for Teachers and Instructors (Allan et al.)
Video: What is an elder?
Mi'kmaw elder Bernie Francis of Membertou, N.S., explains what he thinks makes an elder.
Approaching an Elder or Knowledge Keeper
"In First Nations, Métis, and Inuit cultures, Elders and traditional teachers play a prominent, vital, and respected role. They are held in high regard as they are the knowledge keepers, carrying traditional teachings and information passed down through oral history, customs, and traditions which encompass beliefs, values, worldviews, language, and spiritual ways of life" (Carleton University).
The following are examples from Ontario educational institutions of their protocols for approaching Elders and Knowledge Keepers. We encourage you to get in touch with your college's Indigenous support centre for additional guidance on protocols.
| Institution Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Primary or Secondary School |
Elder/Senator/Knowledge Keeper Protocol for Schools (Lakehead Public Schools Brochure) |
| Post-Secondary: College |
Procedure for College Engagement with Elders and Knowledge-Keepers (Confederation College) |
| Post-Secondary: University |
Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers: UOttawa Guide to Indigenous Protocols (University of Ottawa) Guidelines for Working with First Nation, Metis and Inuit Elders and Knowledge Keepers (Carleton University) Indigenous Elder and Community Protocols (Concordia University) |
Tobacco Offering
Elders are recognized for their cultural knowledge and wisdom. Their “credentials” are not determined by a university or other institution, age, or gender; their credibility is built on trust gained from community and other knowledge holders, expertise from lived experience and oral transmission of knowledge, and their practice of generosity (Pulling Together: A Guide for Teachers and Instructors).
Learn more
- Read: The Four Sacred Medicines (Durham College)
- Read: Anishinaabe Teachings of The Four Sacred Medicines (The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund)
- Read: Aboriginal Sacred Plants: Tobacco (Indigenous Corporate Training, Inc.)
- Read: Tobacco Offering Protocol (Carleton University)
- Watch: Sweet Grass Braid (The Learning Portal)
- Watch: Indigenous Voices: Tobacco (Royal Ontario Museum)
Video: Tobacco Offering
A simple How-To video on how to make a traditional tobacco offering pouch.
Ceremonies, Cultural Celebrations, & Public Events
The following are some of the common celebrations and ceremonies among Indigenous communities. It is important to note that each community and Nation is diverse and will have their own ceremonies and events which they celebrate.
Land or Territorial Acknowledgements
What are Land or Territorial Acknowledgements?
"Land acknowledgements, also known as territorial acknowledgements, are short statements that recognize both the land and the Indigenous people who lived — and in many situations continue to live — on the land prior to Canada’s colonial history. They offer a short story from the stand point of the Indigenous people who grew and evolved from the land" (The Canadian Encyclopedia).
Why is it important to recognize the Land?
"To recognize the land is an expression of gratitude and appreciation to those whose territory you reside on, and a way of honouring the Indigenous people who have been living and working on the land from time immemorial. It is important to understand the long standing history that has brought you to reside on the land, and to seek to understand your place within that history. Land acknowledgements do not exist in a past tense, or historical context: colonialism is a current ongoing process, and we need to build our mindfulness of our present participation. It is also worth noting that acknowledging the land is Indigenous protocol" (Laurier Students' Public Interest Research Group).
Sources: Land Acknowledgement (The Canadian Encyclopedia) | Know The Land Territories Campaign (Laurier Students' Public Interest Research Group)
Learn more
- A guide to Indigenous land Acknowledgment (Native Governance Center)
- Beyond Land Acknowledgment: A Guide (Native Governance Center)
- Beyond territorial acknowledgments (Chelsea Vowel)
Video: Why are land acknowledgements important?
From Ontario Tech Student Life. Kim Wheatley explains why it is important for all of us to be aware and show respect for the land we are situated on and the history of its inhabitants.