PROTOCOLS FOR STAFF

WORKING WITH INDIGENOUS

PEOPLE

Source: State of New South Wales access from www.records.nsw.gov.au

 PRINCIPLES
RESPECT – Indigenous people and their cultures
are respected
CULTURAL DIVERSITY – Indigenous cultures and
people are diverse, vital, living and changing
COMMUNICATION AND CONSULTATION –
Indigenous people and communities are
informed by government and consulted on and
contribute to policies and services
ACCESSIBILITY – Indigenous people have access
to records of PPAs that affect them
PRESERVATION – Indigenous culture and
individual experience are preserved and
protected for future generations
 GUIDELINES

How to refer to Indigenous People

Most Indigenous People prefer to be identified as a
person or peoples (Tribal Affiliation)

How not to refer to Indigenous People

Branding, offensive and unacceptable language,
racist words
What is secret and sacred material
“Secret and sacred refers to information or material
that, under Indigenous customary law:

• made available only to particular community

members

• used for a particular purpose

• used at a particular time, and

• only to be seen and heard by particular

community members (such as only men, only
women or people with certain knowledge)
What is are considered as secret or sacred
Examples:

• Burial ceremonies

• Ceremonial objects

• Ceremonial grounds

• Ceremonial stories, attire, practices, chants,

dances, instruments, other materials

Rules apply when in an Indigenous Community in

terms of access and use
Inappropriate Use, Display of secret or sacred
materials
• Materials containing sensitive or offensive
materials that may cause distress to the IP people
or community

• Sensitive information should not be displayed or

used without consultation

Examples:

Photographs, records documenting conflict, death,

burial and sensitive men’s or women’s business
Planning of Projects, Programs and Activities

• PPAs involving IPs should be discussed in the

early stages to ensure appropriate use and
possible need for external consultation.

Considerations on the Following:

• Appropriate use of sensitive materials and issues

(land and ways of life)
• Recognition of practices, culture and values
• How will the project assist in improving services
for the IPs
Providing Services for Indigenous People

• Create a positive experiences for Indigenous

researches and accommodate special needs
where possible

• Staff should be conversant

• Need for time when dealing with IPs – awareness

for cultural difference and make steps to
accommodate them as much as possible

• Need for privacy

Consulting with Indigenous Communities

Why Consult?

• To build meaningful relationships – based on

mutual respect and understanding

• To make better decisions – involvement of IPs in

decisions that affect them

• To improve access – helps to ensure community

guidance on increasing accessibility that is
culturally appropriate and respectful of the IPs.
Helps to ensure that it is relevant to the
community
Contacting a Community

• Speak to the right person who has the authority

to represent the community

• Use the Local Council if available (Elderly

Groups)

• Differences between communities – remember

that each community has unique needs and
different histories

• Respect different time lines – different concepts

of time and time frames for decision-making
Steps for Contacting a Community

• Establish list of people and organizations to

contact.

• Introduce yourself and your intentions or reasons

of going into the community.

• Be prepared to spend some time with sharing

personal background information.

• Be patient when asking questions.

• If a meeting is planned to take place discuss

suitable times and places to meet.
Steps for Contacting a Community

• If it is an event that is to be published, documented

ask permission first.

• Appropriate community representatives should be

involved in the discussion.

• Send advance information of planned visit or

consultation/event

• Consider local politics when planning an

event/visit.

• Building relationships – staying in contact;

communities are often skeptical to visits from the
government.
PARTICIPATION OF ELDERS IN ACTIVITIES/
EVENTS

• Tribal Elders are the most important resources for

the community. They should be welcomed to take
part in events/activities and their knowledge
should be sought where possible to complement
information on historical records/archives.

• If elders are present it a sign of respect to

acknowledge their presence and contribution
OTHER THINGS TO REMEMBER

• Consultation about content and use of material –

discussing the content of materials with community
representatives will minimize the risk of using
sensitive and offensive materials.

• Community participation – where possible it is

desirable to invite the local community to
participate in activities. Guest speakers should be
invited to events to promote the dissemination of
cultural heritage.

• Thanking IP Communities – as a sign of

appreciation for community participation. It does
not have to be a physical gift or present.
 BOTTOM LINE

Staff / individuals working for Indigenous

People should be well aware, understand
and respect the diverse and dynamic
cultures, values, traditions, belief, etc… of
Indigenous Peoples they are working
with…

No two IP community is similar…

Matago tago tako losan!!!

Mabuhay tayong lahat!!!

ROWENA C. DACSIG
Project Development Officer
IPU – NPMO
DSWD