To many different peoples across the globe, there can be a fine line between culturally open and closed practices, as well as appreciation versus appropriation. Looking into intent, respect, representation, and participation can open people’s eyes to what is and is not considered appropriation. Not every Indigenous culture sees eye-to-eye in every way, but the following is a quick guide to appreciation and appropriation of common traditions and art forms that communities across Turtle Island may share.
Whether online or offline, many people appropriate Indigenous spirituality and sacred practices that are considered closed. A closed practice is a spiritual or cultural tradition that should only be practiced by group members with the knowledge and respect to understand the importance of those traditions. Frequently, these practices are important ways of honouring and passing down cultural heritage. Appropriation of Indigenous cultures can be harmful and can become an unacknowledged adaptation of ceremonial traditions. The following key factors separate appropriation from appreciation:
Power Dynamics: The power dynamics at play are very important in understanding consent in this context. Asking the question: “who is gaining from this?” tells you everything you need to know.
Intent, Understanding and Respect: If what is being used is a stolen piece of Indigenous culture or history that is being used by non-Indigenous people without proper consent, it is appropriation. It is considered appropriation if you intend to use this as a mockery or without understanding or respecting its cultural and spiritual context.
Representation and Participation: If traditions and practices are being taken and done by non-Indigenous peoples without it being a faithful representation it can be considered appropriation.
Doing your research is a crucial part of wanting to engage with any cultural traditions or practices. There are ways to know what is and is not considered an open or closed practice. A common closed practice for many Indigenous people is smudging with white sage. White sage smudging is a very spiritual part of some Indigenous cultures that many non-Indigenous people have tried to partake in. This resulted in Indigenous peoples standing up for their cultures and reminding those around them that it is a closed practice and that there is a specific way to harvest white sage. However, an open practice is smudging with regular sage and herbs. Some other commonly known closed practices are traditional dances and songs, and creating items (as a non-Indigenous person) such as traditional drums, dreamcatchers, moccasins, and ribbon skirts to name a few.
There are some exceptions to these baseline rules involving the previously mentioned key factors. If you are invited to participate in traditions by an Indigenous person, then you are welcome. In this way, you can learn more about the culture of the person sharing, but on their terms and in a respectful way. The same is done with gifting. If you are gifted a ribbon skirt by an Indigenous person, you are more than welcome to wear it. As is the same with moccasins, beadwork, and dreamcatchers. Economically supporting Indigenous peoples’ companies and their sharing of cultural traditions is a part of appreciation aswell.
Navigating the delicate balance between appreciation and appropriation in Indigenous cultures requires thought and research. Genuine appreciation is important to retaining the rich and resilient cultures of Indigenous peoples. Appropriation risks diminishing and harming the value of their traditions, threatening exploitation. However, if respectfully researched and informed, one can observe and partake in certain traditions and grow to celebrate and honour the beauty and depth of Indigenous cultures. When in doubt, reach out to Indigenous people and communities, ensuring their voices and practices are respected and heard.
