Celebrating the Indigenous Advisory Circle and Advancing Indigenous Protocols in the Visual Arts

CARFAC BC proudly celebrates the work of CARFAC National and its Indigenous Protocols for the Visual Arts, a foundational resource developed to support respectful engagement with Indigenous artists, communities, and cultural expressions. This initiative was guided by the Indigenous Advisory Circle, formed in 2019 to ensure that Indigenous voices and perspectives shaped the development of this vital document.

The Indigenous Advisory Circle brought together First Nations, Inuit, and Métis artists, Knowledge Keepers, and practitioners to address critical issues such as the protection of intellectual property, the prevention of cultural appropriation, and the importance of informed consent. Their contributions have laid the groundwork for ethical collaboration and for recognizing Indigenous sovereignty in the arts sector.

CARFAC BC is committed to building on this work by supporting the advancement of Indigenous protocols and fostering equitable spaces for Indigenous artists and communities. Protocols, rooted in traditional laws and knowledge systems, provide a framework for engaging in the arts with respect, reciprocity, and cultural integrity.

We acknowledge the leadership of CARFAC National in establishing the Indigenous Advisory Circle and championing these essential conversations. As we move forward, CARFAC BC is proud to align with these efforts and contribute to a future where Indigenous cultural knowledge and artistic practices are safeguarded and celebrated for generations to come.

To learn more about Indigenous Protocols for the Visual Arts, visit CARFAC National’s website.