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

A central debate in the international forum centres on the ways in which intellectual property (IP) protocols can protect the intangible cultural heritage (ICH) - documentary recordings of songs, music and dance performance, verbal art - of indigenous and native communities from appropriation and exploitation. Less attention has been paid to the means and methods by which such artefacts are created and how such practices may enhance cultural protection and aid in community cultural sustainability. An on-going programme, launched in 2008 by a coalition of international institutions, seeks to train indigenous community members to document their traditional cultural expressions, folklore and ways of life, and to employ best practice in the organisation and management of documentary material. The lessons and issues arising from this project will broaden and deepen current understanding and discussions in the debate over IF, ICH, cultural representation and empowerment.(1)