The term protocol refers to a way of doing things, a process or procedure. A protocol is the proper way to go about something. For indigenous peoples, protocol is considered the proper way to engage with elders, knowledge keepers, leaders and those who teach our ways.
But what is protocol?
Before we go too far, please know, this isn’t a comprehensive guide on protocol within every nation, or for every purpose. Protocol for research or for academic institutions tends to follow certain expectations of the school, please refer to your nation or school for more guidance in these circumstances.
It is common amongst most indigenous nations to give an offering when approaching knowledge keepers and elders for knowledge, ceremony, stories, or to ask for their time. What this offering includes can vary from nation to nation. Within the Metis Nation, tobacco (one of our sacred herbs), cloth, food or a gift is very common.
These offerings are given when approaching the one we have something to ask of. We offer protocol before asking for knowledge or time. This offering is NOT a trade for the things that we seek.
The Spirit of Our Teachings
Everything around us has a spirit. The plants, animals, the stars, and each other. Knowledge, songs, stories and teachings are of spirit also, and we always want to ensure that we approach knowledge with respect and humility. It is not appropriate to approach knowledge or teachings with entitlement or a sense of being “owed” these things. However, we should also remember that these are the teachings of our nation, and we should feel invited to ask for them.
Making an offering and presenting it shows respect to the knowledge that these ones hold. This is different from offering an honorarium or gift to thank elders and knowledge holders for their time.
The initial offering is given regardless of whether the elder or knowledge keeper agrees to share their time, skills or knowledge. We never ask for it back if they decline. Remember, this offering is made to honour the spirit of the knowledge, not simply the person who holds its. Our offerings acknowledge spirit in all things and show that we are going with good intentions in seeking this knowledge, song, story or teaching.
How to Approach A Knowledge Keeper or Elder
When you feel called to learn something, the spirit of that thing may be speaking to you. This will likely cause you to begin to look into that thing. To ask around for someone with that knowledge. This is a good time to prepare your mind and heart for that knowledge. Make space for it in your life. This is a good time to smudge and offer a prayer asking for the opportunity to find this knowledge.
Once you find someone who holds the knowledge you are looking for, ask for permission to meet with them, to send an email, or to call them. Present protocol, and indicate what knowledge you are looking for. Ask them if this is something they can share with you, and if it isn’t, if they know or anyone who can.
What If They Say No?
An elder or knowledge keeper may say no to a request for many reasons. It could be that they have too many demands on their time, they may not feel they can share what has been asked, or it may not be appropriate to share. Regardless of their reason, you might ask them if there would be a better time, but ultimately, its best to thank them for hearing your request and for their time.
Does this mean you should abandon your search? No, however, if the elder or knowledge keeper offers any thoughts on things to do or steps to take before learning these things, take it to heart and take those steps.
What Types Of Knowledge Or Teachings Require Protocol?
It isn’t always necessary to offer protocol. Asking for a bannock recipe in an online group or from a community member doesn’t typically require protocol. Also, there are teachings like how to make moccasins, or bead, or sew which wouldn’t necessarily require protocol. However, if these skills are a part of a broader calling, role or work you are embarking on, it may be appropriate. Looking for genealogical records doesn’t typically require protocol.
If you are ever seeking any knowledge related to ceremony, spirituality, songs, or story, it is best to offer protocol. If you feel called by spirit to learn something, its best to offer protocol. If you want to learn about traditions, its best to offer protocol. When in doubt, ask the knowledge keeper or elder if you can offer protocol, they will guide you in knowing if its appropriate or not.
What If I Am Far Away From Elders and Knowledge Keepers?
Being removed from our traditional communities doesn’t mean that you can’t connect and learn. Especially during these days of pandemic and restrictions, many elders are embracing technology to help in communications and to help them share traditional knowledge. Of course, some don’t feel the knowledge they have should be shared in these ways, and that should be respected. And, some knowledge requires in person ceremony, and these don’t typically happen online.
If a knowledge keeper or elder offers teachings online, they may suggest how you could offer protocol or thanks in some other way rather than in person. They offer these suggestions to help you connect with the spirit of that knowledge or those teachings.
Should Ceremonial Teachings Be Charged For?
No. Never. Ceremony should never cost those who are seeking it. However, honoraria to elders and knowledge keepers is appropriate to help offset their costs to participating. This shouldn’t be offered as a transaction fee, but is a gift to help them fulfill their role. Knowledge keepers and Elders and not typically independently wealthy and may have financial barriers to fulfilling their role. The community should ensure that their role is not a burden to them financially.
If anyone ever asks for money for you to take part in a ceremony, this isn’t our way and isn’t right. If someone hosting a ceremony asks for donations to give an honorarium to an elder or knowledge keeper, this is common and allowed.
What About Classes, Teachers, Birth Workers, or Musicians?
Protocol can be offered to anyone who brings teachings to their work. However, some people offer support, classes and services for which they are paid. These professionals have a career which pays for their bills. In their role, and in their career, they may also incorporate and share teachings. This is appropriate, so long as they are not charging for teachings.
For example, a teacher in an elementary school might incorporate land based teachings about harvesting into their curriculum. However, that teacher shouldn’t ask for any money from the child or parents so that the student can learn these things. Though the activity may require materials which have a cost, it isn’t the knowledge being charged for.
Likewise, a doula who is supporting indigenous parents will often receive money for attending and supporting through a birth, however, shouldn’t be charging to sing songs, bring their rattle, or share with the parents traditional teachings on pregnancy or birth.
An artist, or teacher may offer classes in their art forms, and may teach about their culture in those classes, or in other ways. This too is appropriate. However, asking for money beyond their classes for the cultural teachings isn’t appropriate.
In some of these circumstances protocol may also be appropriate, but asking the musician, teacher, or support person if its appropriate is a good place to start.
Learn More
There is so much more to share about protocol, when and how to offer it, and why we offer protocol. You will find many writings on the topic. These are a reasonable place to learn. However, remember, it is always appropriate to ask those in your community if you want to know more.
https://uakn.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Wicihitowin_AuthenticEngagementBooklet_V8.pdf
Natalie Pepin
Taanishi! Dishinikawshon Natalie Pepin. I am a Metis woman in the Tawatinaw Valley in Alberta, Canada. I support indigenous people who are reclaiming their indigenous roots to connect with their culture through learning the traditional skills, arts, stories and teachings of our ancestors. I support indigenous people, who are severed from their traditions by legacy and trauma of colonization, who are discovering that their culture is beautiful. I teach indigenous arts workshops such as beading, moccasin making and brain tanning as a means of reconciliation and reconnection.