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Cultural Protocols and the Arts-Call-Oct 1
Transcript of Cultural Protocols and the Arts-Call-Oct 1
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 [email protected]
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.