Update From Our Case Studies

Moriori descendant, Nicole Whaitiri with a rakau momori (living tree carving) on
Published: 
Dec 03, 2013

By Brian Egan

Case studies and community-based initiatives (CBIs) are at the heart of the IPinCH project. Not only do they reflect the diverse research themes that are central to IPinCH’s mission, but they are also the sites where productive and mutual relations between scholars, researchers, and community partners are developed. 

Many of the CBIs and case studies are now wrapping up. All of the initiatives highlighted below will be completed by the end of 2013 or early in 2014, so keep an eye out for final reports, podcasts, and other products emerging from these projects. 

A Case of Access: Inuvialuit Engagement with the Smithsonian’s MacFarlane Collection

In this, the first approved and first completed IPinCH-funded case study, Inuvialuit elders and youth traveled to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., to study and record their knowledge of a collection of Inuvialuit artifacts. An example of innovative repatriation and restoration of knowledge from museum collections, this project has garnered much attention from other Indigenous communities. With the submission of its final report to IPinCH in early 2013, this study is now complete. 

Cultural Tourism in Nunavik

This case study, led by Daniel Gendron of the Avataq Cultural Institute, examined the impact of cultural tourism on local peoples and communities in Nunavik, the vast Inuit homeland in northern Quebec. At the heart of the study is the question: What part do the Nunavimmuit – the Inuit peoples of Nunavik – really play in the development of cultural tourism in Nunavik? With its field research completed in late 2012 and a draft final report submitted to IPinCH in early 2013, this project is now in its final stages. 

Developing Policies and Protocols for the Culturally Sensitive Intellectual Properties of the Penobscot Nation of Maine

Indigenous peoples must often work with archaeologists and other outside researchers to protect and manage their culturally sensitive intellectual property and cultural heritage. In this project led by Bonnie Newsom, IPinCH is supporting the Penobscot Nation in its development of tribal protocols for engaging with archaeologists and researchers around issues of intellectual property and cultural heritage. With community review of the study outcomes now underway, this initiative is slated to wrap up in late 2013. 

Moriori Cultural Database

The central objective of this case study, developed and led by Maui Solomon and Susan Thorpe of the Hokotehi Moriori Trust, was to establish a Moriori cultural knowledge database for the recording of traditional knowledge. Associated objectives included working with elders in an Indigenous methodological and ethical framework, ensuring the protection of Moriori intellectual property through appropriate recording and access protocols, training community members in appropriate recording techniques, developing and sharing Indigenous archaeological methods, and exploring options for land and resource management to protect cultural heritage. This study contributes to a much larger process of Moriori cultural and political revival. With the submission of their draft report in mid-2013, this project is now very close to completion.

The Ngaut Ngaut Interpretive Project: Providing Culturally Sustainable Online Interpretive Content to the Public

The Ngaut Ngaut rock shelter site in South Australia has deep meaning for local Indigenous people, a significance that is often poorly understood by the broader public. This initiative, led by Amy Roberts, is developing new interpretive materials – including a booklet, online resources, and interpretive signage – to assist the Mannum Aboriginal Association Inc. in its efforts to promote the significance of the site and to encourage greater protection of the cultural heritage of the area. These materials are developed in a collaborative, structured, and culturally sensitive manner, reflecting the tangible and intangible values of the site. With the recent publication of the Ngaut Ngaut Interpretive Booklet, this initiative is now nearing completion, with full wrap up expected in early 2014. 

Treaty Relations as a Method of Resolving Intellectual Property Issues  

In this thematic case study, Michael Asch of the University of Victoria examined the treaty relationship as a potential framework for the resolution of intellectual property and cultural heritage issues. Although absent from the written text of historic treaties, Asch argues that a framework for resolving current and future intellectual property and cultural heritage issues may be found in the negotiations and verbal agreements that led to the written treaties. The intention of this study was to look beyond the formal written text of the treaty document and to tease out broader meanings of the treaty, with a particular focus on documenting Aboriginal understandings of the agreements. This case study is now complete, with the final report undergoing revision and expected to be released in late 2013 or early 2014.  

Yukon First Nations Heritage Values and Heritage Resource Management

Modern land claim and self-government agreements recognize that Yukon First Nations own and have responsibility for managing heritage resources on their settlement lands. Through interviews, small group discussions, and a workshop with key individuals and cultural resource workers in the Yukon, organized by Sheila Greer, Paula Jones, and Heather Banks, this study has explored the understandings of the heritage values of three Yukon Indigenous groups, the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, the Carcross-Tagish First Nation, and the Ta’an Kwach’an Council. The bulk of the research for his initiative has now been completed and the final report is expected in late 2013 or early 2014. 


Photo: Moriori descendant, Nicole Whaitiri with a rakau momori (living tree carving) on Rekohu (photo: R. Giblin, courtesy HMT). 

Brian Egan is the IPinCH Project Manager. 

This article was featured in the IPinCN Newsletter, Vol. 5 (Fall 2013)