The IPinCH Fall Gathering was such an exciting, productive and gratifying event that brought much of the IPinCH team together to share ideas and energy, and to engage in honest, sometimes challenging, discussions. I am very grateful to all who participated. And to those who could not be there, you were certainly missed.
Personally, I’ve been replenished with the energy, lessons, and ideas that have come from spending time with our team.
Much was accomplished at the Gathering in considering what we have learned and how it might be used to make a difference. This was also a time for networking and renewing friendships and collaborations. Many took the opportunity to hold working group planning sessions, to move ongoing projects forward, or to develop new initiatives. The Share Fair was a huge success, with posters, tables, films, and conversations. Closing the gathering, Git Hayetsk’s electrifying performance was unforgettable, both for the energy imparted and the melding of the traditional and the contemporary.
We did our best to incorporate everyone’s suggestions for the program, and also tried out a number of new ideas. In the end, we hope that the care and creativity that went into planning provided a comfortable environment—physically, emotionally, and intellectually.
Words and concerns shared in the plenary and concurrent sessions had real depth, and reflected everyone’s commitment to honest and open discussions about what are often sensitive or challenging issues, including the consent process, the project ethnography, and stewardship of our collective legacy of information, perspectives, and relationships. These important issues need — and are now receiving — careful consideration and detailed response.
Throughout its existence, the IPinCH project has intentionally sought to understand and — to the degree possible — address challenges in IP and cultural heritage. IPinCH remains committed to critical self-research and reflection to develop better understandings and better ways of doing things. What better opportunity to walk our talk than in wrestling with issues and questions such as those raised during our two intense days together, which push us to consider our own actions and ethics, and their consequences. IPinCH is an academic research project but it is not simply an academic exercise in theorizing about IP, heritage concerns, and research protocols; we are part of the IPinCH community because we are committed to active engagement in the issues from the ground up!
For those who attended the gathering, we are looking forward to your responses to the recent post-Gathering survey (hint, hint!), especially your ideas about “What’s next?” In the New Year, we will be extending this question to the entire team.
Again, my thanks to all for participating in such a memorable event.
Photo: K. McLaughlin.
