From subject to producer: reframing the indigenous heritage through cultural documentation training

Abstract

A central debate in the international forum centres on theways in which intellectual property (IP) protocols canprotect the intangible cultural heritage (ICH) –documentary recordings of songs, music and danceperformance, verbal art – of indigenous and nativecommunities from appropriation and exploitation. Lessattention has been paid to the means and methods bywhich such artefacts are created and how such practicesmay enhance cultural protection and aid in communitycultural sustainability. An on-going programme, launchedin 2008 by a coalition of international institutions, seeks totrain indigenous community members to document theirtraditional cultural expressions, folklore and ways of life,and to employ best practice in the organisation andmanagement of documentary material. The lessons andissues arising from this project will broaden and deepencurrent understanding and discussions in the debate overIP, ICH, cultural representation and empowerment.1