CULTURAL PROTOCOLS AND THE ARTS FORUM

PROJECT SUMMARY

Initiated  by  the  First  Peoples’  Cultural  Council,  and  hosted  by  the  En’owkin  Centre,  the  Cultural  Protocols  and  the  Arts  Forum  will  facilitate  meaningful  and  solutions-­‐focused  discussion  and  sharing  amongst  Indigenous  artists  and  cultural  people,  March  3–4,  2014,  in  Penticton,  British  Columbia.    

PROJECT BACKGROUND

FPCC  cultural  protocols  and  an  Indigenous  perspective  of  our  intellectual  property  rights  are  not  broadly  acknowledged  or  understood.  With  the  historical  and  present  disruptions  to  our  cultures  and  traditions,  as  well  as  new  circumstances  that  are  continually  evolving,  artists  working  in  all  disciplines  (visual,  music,  dance,  storytelling,  media,  etc),  are  required  to  navigate  very  complex  questions  and  ethical  dilemmas.  Usually,  the  subject  arises  when  a  problem  occurs,  or  someone  does  something  inappropriate.  Through  open  discussion  of  experiences,  processes  and  tools,  we  can  move  toward  clearer  assertion  of  our  protocols,  both  within  our  communities  and  outward—to  our  neighbours  and  the  broader  society.      To  facilitate  this  meaningful  and  solutions-­‐focused  exchange  amongst  artists  and  cultural  people,  we  are  organizing  a  Cultural  Protocols  and  the  Arts  Forum  to  be  hosted  March  3–4,  2014,  at  the  En’owkin  Centre  in  Penticton,  British  Columbia.  Within  the  context  of  proactive  movement  toward  clarity  and  the  development  of  practical  and  accessible  recommendations  and  a  report,  we  are  inviting  interest  from  participants  who  have  experiences,  methodologies  and  tools  to  contribute  to  this  conversation.    PROJECT DESCRIPTION

This  forum  will  provide  an  opportunity  for  approximately  50  First  Nations  artists,  arts  and  culture  leaders,  and  community  and  organization  representatives  to  meet,  share  and  discuss  work  already  done  to  define  and  articulate  cultural  protocols  and  concepts  of  protection,  with  a  particular  focus  on  supporting  the  current  practices  of  artists  working  in  all  disciplines  (visual,  music,  dance,  storytelling,  media,  etc).  Participants  will  benefit  from  understanding  each  other’s  work,  and  together  we  will  identify  common  concerns  and  priorities.  The  group  will  explore  a  vision  for  moving  forward,  as  well  as  possible  models  for  working  together  on  common  initiatives  and  actions.      The  majority  of  participants  will  come  from  British  Columbia,  as  well  as  the  rest  of  Canada,  with  a  few  key  invited  international  participants.  Areas  of  discussion  will  include:    

• Defining  cultural  protocols  • Models  for  engaging  community  in  defining  and  articulating  cultural  protocols  • Models  for  documentation,  sharing  and  communicating  • Protecting  traditional  knowledge  –  the  collective  and  the  individual  • Marks  of  authenticity  –  existing  models  • How  do  contemporary  artists  consider  and  navigate  protocols  when  making  and  

presenting  their  work?  

• How  do  protocols  accommodate  the  vision  and  practices  of  contemporary  experimental  artists?  How  do  we  ensure  we  are  not  oppressing  ourselves?  

• Differences  amongst  our  cultures  and  values  • Recommendations  for  future  actions  • Useful  tools  

 

PARTICIPANTS

• First  Peoples’  Cultural  Council  –  lead  producer/facilitator  for  the  forum  • En’owkin  Centre  –  host  site  partner  • Working  Advisory  Committee  

 ANTICIPATED OUTOMES

• Discussions  will  be  recorded  and  transcribed  • Publication  of  summary  of  best  practices  and  bibliography  • Draft  publication  of  a  protocol  guidelines  handbook  • In  a  report  to  all  funding  partners,  FPCC  will  describe  the  outcomes  and  expected  future  

actions  arising  from  discussions  at  the  forum.    • FPCC  will  use  the  information  that  arises  from  the  colloquium  to  develop  future  

programs  and  initiatives.  • FPCC  will  provide  evaluation  forms  for  all  forum  participants  and  tabulate  their  

comments.    • The  network  of  First  Peoples  engaged  with  cultural  protocols  and  the  arts  will  be  

strengthened      CALL TO PARTICIPANTS

It  is  our  intention  that  all  attendees  be  contributors  to  the  forum  through  presentations,  roundtable  discussions  and  other  modes  of  sharing.    If  you  would  like  to  attend,  please  submit:  

• Completed  application  form  • Letter  of  interest,  describing  how  you  will  contribute  and  how  your  participation  might  

effect  your  practice  or  the  practice  of  Aboriginal  artists  • CV,  bio  or  resume  

 A  financial  subsidy  will  be  available  to  those  who  are  selected  and  require  assistance  with  the  cost  of  travel  and  accommodations.  The  organizers  will  provide  some  meals.  

Send  responses  by  November  22,  2013  to:  

Steven  Davies  steven@fpcc.ca  

Or  by  mail  to:  First  Peoples’  Cultural  Council,  Attention:  Arts  Program  1A  Boat  Ramp  Road  Brentwood  Bay,  B.C.    V8M  1N9  

OVERVIEW – FIRST PEOPLES’ CULTURAL COUNCIL

The  First  Peoples’  Cultural  Council  (FPCC)  has  a  legislated  province-­‐wide  mandate  to:  • Protect,  revitalize  and  enhance  First  Nations’  languages,  arts,  and  cultures.  • Increase  understanding  and  sharing  of  knowledge,  within  both  First  Nations  and  non-­‐

First  Nations  communities.  • Heighten  understanding  and  appreciation  of  the  wealth  of  First  Nations’  cultural  

diversity.    

We  realize  this  mandate  through  support  for  community-­‐based  efforts  to  build  the  vitality  of  Aboriginal  languages,  arts  and  cultures.  Recognized  nationally  as  a  unique  organization,  FPCC  was  established  in  1990,  and  since  then  has  delivered  funding,  strategic  initiatives  and  a  referral  network,  while  providing  advocacy  and  support  to  Aboriginal  languages,  arts  and  cultural  initiatives  throughout  the  province.    

During  the  past  23  years,  FPCC  has  developed  effective,  culturally  informed  and  accountable  processes  for  delivering  funding  and  programs  to  First  Nations  and  Aboriginal  people  and  organizations.  

FPCC’s  governance  structure  facilitates  unique  connections  to  First  Nations  communities  throughout  the  province.  Our  Advisory  Committee  (left)  includes  representatives  with  language,  arts  and  culture  knowledge  and  experience,  from  the  34  active  Indigenous  languages  in  B.C.  The  Advisory  

Committee  brings  community-­‐based  ideas  and  issues  to  the  attention  of  FPCC  in  order  to  protect,  enhance  and  share  First  Nations  arts,  heritage,  language  and  culture.  

FPCC  serves  203  B.C.  First  Nations,  34  languages  and  61  language  dialects,  and  an  ever-­‐expanding  number  of  First  Nations  and  Aboriginal  artists,  as  well  as  arts,  culture  and  educational  groups  and  organizations.  

FPCC VISION AND MISSION

Our  vision  is  one  where  “B.C.  First  Nations  languages,  arts  and  cultures  are  thriving,  accessible  and  available  to  the  First  Nations  of  British  Columbia,  and  the  cultural  knowledge  expressed  through  First  Nations  languages,  arts  and  cultures  is  recognized,  valued  and  embraced  by  all  B.C.  citizens”  

Our  mission  is  to  provide  leadership  in  British  Columbia  for  the  revitalization  of  First  Nations  heritage,  languages,  arts  and  cultures.  

Our  role  is  to  monitor  the  status  of  First  Nations  languages,  arts  and  cultures,  and  to  develop  strategies  that  assist  communities  to  recover  and  sustain  their  heritage.  We  serve  our  stakeholders  and  partners  by  providing  programs  and  initiatives  that  continually  increase  the  vitality  of  our  heritage,  languages,  arts  and  cultures.  

FIRST PEOPLES' CULTURAL COUNCIL ARTS PROGRAM

In  1993,  the  Aboriginal  Arts  Development  Awards  (AADA)  program  was  established,  and  since  1996  FPCC  has  delivered  the  program.  The  FPCC  Arts  Program  and  the  Aboriginal  Arts  Development  Awards  (AADA)  continue  to  provide  great  benefits  to  Aboriginal  artists,  groups,  organizations  and  communities  as  well  as  to  the  general  population  of  B.C.  The  AADA  program,  which  is  supported  through  our  long-­‐time  partnership  with  the  BC  Arts  Council  (BCAC)  a  significant  investment  from  the  New  Relationship  Trust,  and  new  investment  from  the  Margaret  A.  Cargill  Foundation  is  a  primary  focus  of  Arts  Program  staff  throughout  the  year.    During  the  past  20  years,  there  have  been  significant  increases  in  the  number,  diversity  and  quality  of  applications  to  the  AADA  Program.  This  evolution  can  be  attributed  to  our  outreach  and  community  relationships,  and  to  the  extensive  support  provided  to  applicants.  Many  are  emerging  artists,  cultural  workers  or  groups  seeking  support  for  the  first  time.  FPCC  values  a  community  development  philosophy,  and  with  this  in  mind,  applicants  can  access  coaching  and  information  that  assists  with  the  development  of  their  projects  and  proposals,  giving  them  useful  tools  for  the  future  opportunities  and  funding  applications.    For  Aboriginal  artists  and  organizations  in  B.C.,  FPCC  is  a  primary  source  of  support  and  information  about  opportunities  and  resources,  including  the  programs  of  the  BCAC  and  other  funders  such  as  Canada  Council  for  the  Arts.  There  is  a  growing  expectation  for  mainstream  and  established  arts  and  culture  institutions  and  entities  to  include  ‘”First  Nations”  and  “diverse  groups”  in  their  activities.  With  this  shift  in  attitude,  we  are  often  called  upon  to  assist  with  initiatives  aimed  at  increasing  access  and  inviting  collaboration.  We  are  seen  as  the  reliable  and  fair  go-­‐to  organization  for  this  liaison,  which  is  not  provided  by  anyone  else  on  a  province-­‐wide  scale.    

FPCC ARTS PROGRAM VISION AND PURPOSE

FPCC’s  Arts  Program  is  committed  to  the  vitality  of  all  forms  of  First  Nations  and  Aboriginal  arts  and  culture,  including  the  rejuvenation  and  practice  of  our  classical,  traditionally  based  art  forms.  These  commitments  are  realized  through  the  evolution  and  delivery  of  the  Aboriginal  Arts  Development  Awards  programs,  the  provision  of  a  communication  network,  project  liaison,  and  the  delivery  of  various  outreach  initiatives  including  professional  practices  workshops  for  Aboriginal  artists  and  arts  organizations.  We  also  work  to  develop  awareness  and  value  for  First  Nations  and  Aboriginal  arts  and  culture  through  advocacy,  education  and  audience  development  in  both  the  Aboriginal  and  non-­‐Aboriginal  community.  

OVERVIEW OF HOSTING PARTNER – THE EN’OWKIN CENTRE

As  Indigenous  people,  the  Creator  has  given  us  a  way  of  life  and  natural  laws,  which  govern  our  relationship  to  all  living  things.      The  Creator  has  entrusted  to  us  the  responsibility  of  being  “keepers  of  the  land”  

of  living  in  harmony  and  oneness  with  each  other;  and  maintaining  a  balance  with  all  things  in  the  environment.    Our  knowledge  and  customs  are  understood  and  practiced  through  our  relationships  to  our  land  and  in  the  way  it  protects  and  ensures  our  continuance  and  survival.    Our  Mother  Earth  is  a  living  embodiment  of  our  spirituality  and  nourishes  us  in  all  ways:  physical,  spiritual,  mental  and  emotional.    Our  spirituality  is  a  sacred  trust.    The  values  of  our  people  are  contained  in  our  teachings.  It  is  through  our  values  that  we  live  under  the  instructions  of  the  Creator  that  form  the  foundation  of  our  survival.  Therefore,  our  sacred  responsibility  is  to  protect  our  spirituality,  culture  and  land. The  En’owkin  Centre  is  a  dynamic  institution  that  puts  into  practice  the  principles  of  self-­‐determination  and  the  validation  of  cultural  aspirations  and  identity.  An  Indigenous  cultural,  educational,  ecological  and  creative  arts  organization,  the  En’owkin  Centre  is  taking  a  lead  role  in  the  development  and  implementation  of  Indigenous  knowledge  and  systems,  both  at  the  community  and  international  levels.    

In  consideration  of  sacred  responsibilities  given  to  us  by  the  Creator,  upheld  through  our  culture  and  carried  forward  through  our  Elders,  the  En’owkin  Centre  is  committed  to:      

• Provide  the  educational  needs  and  programs  of  the  Indigenous  people  with  full  participation  by  the  Elders,  the  parents  and  the  community.      

• Enhance  the  mental,  physical,  emotional,  spiritual  and  social  needs  of  our  people  by  preserving  and  reinforcing  Indigenous  culture,  practice  and  teachings.    

• Develop  and  implement  community  based  education  programs,  which  focus  on  the  needs  of  the  Indigenous  community  and  are  controlled  and  monitored  at  the  community  level.      

• Restore  the  Okanagan  language  to  its  rightful  place  as  the  communicator  of  the  culture,  under  the  guidance  of  the  Elders.  

 Located  on  the  Penticton  Indian  Reserve,  the  unique  building  design  reflects  the  traditional  Okanagan  winter  home.    A  gathering  place  where  family  and  community  replenish  themselves  spiritually  and  a  teaching  place  where  story,  cooperation,  craft  and  artistry  come  together.    En’owkin's  faculty  is  comprised  of  highly  qualified  educators  who  are  also  professional  artists  and  writers,  facilitators  and  Indigenous  advocates.  The  En’owkin  Centre  provides  a  culturally  sensitive  learning  environment  in  a  nurturing  and  challenging  atmosphere.      

En’owkin  Centre  Programs  of  Study:  • N’syilxcen  Language  Program  • National  Aboriginal  Professional  Artist  Training  Program  • Foundations  in  Indigenous  Fine  Arts  • First  Nations  Studies  Program  • Certificate  in  Aboriginal  Language  Revitalization  • College  Readiness  Program  • Aboriginal  Early  Childhood  Education  Certificate  • Applied  Ecology  and  Conservation  Program  

 The  word  En’owkin  is  an  N’syilxcen  concept,  which  describes  a  respectful  dialogue  of  clarification,  conflict  resolution  and  group  commitment,  to  come  to  the  best  solution—literally,  consensus.    The  En’owkin  Centre  has  partnered  with  many  organizations  and  hosts  many  regional,  national  and  international  conferences  and  forums  in  Indigenous  educational,  cultural  and  environmental  concerns.