The ABC Copyright Conference was hosted by the University of Saskatchewan on May 30 and 31, 2019 in Saskatoon. The notes below are the concepts/key takeaways/information that resonated with me while I listened to the presentation. For more information on any of the sessions, I would encourage you to click on the presentation title link, which will take you to the presenter slides and notes.
Towards Reconciliation by Meera Nair
“Indigenous
customary law is inseparable from Indigenous knowledge” Dr. Younging
Nair's presentation encourages us to question the
assumptions that we make about intellectual property and the very system of
copyright. Canada is a
multicultural country that idealizes unity but does not inform uniformity. Natural laws must
apply to everyone, while being mindful of protecting and enhance creativity without stifling it.
Indigenous
teachers recognize that we all have responsibility/obligations to care
for the land, and the need to “....live in
harmony with nature and mankind” from the Declaration of First Nations, 18 November 1891. The stewardship concept
of ownership is vastly different from the settler view. Stewardship looks ahead seven generations making a social contract with an emphasis on the traditions, and the value of taking only what you need from the
community resources.
All Canadians must safeguard the use of
Indigenous knowledge and creativity, protecting that which is not ours. The settler view of public domain is vastly different; materials can be exploited by anyone and used without seeking authorization nor providing attribution.
Public domain is a
concept that exists within Indigenous traditions/customs which stresses the aspect of use with
respect. Use that does not betray ancestors nor future generations.
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