What is an Indigenous protocol welcome?
An Indigenous protocol welcome is a traditional practice that involves inviting Indigenous Elders, knowledge keepers, leaders, or representatives from the local Nation to open an event, gathering, course, or meeting in a culturally appropriate manner. This practice goes beyond an acknowledgment of the land and recognizes the ongoing presence, contributions, and sovereignty of Indigenous peoples.
A protocol welcome can only be done by a member of the First Nation whose territory the event is taking place. A protocol welcome may involve:
- traditional gestures (i.e. raising hands as a gesture of welcome)
- songs
- dances
- words of welcome and reflection that reflect the specific cultural traditions of the Indigenous community offering the welcome
It is important to remember that there is diversity across Indigenous communities and not every Indigenous culture will have the same protocols and practices. It is important for a protocol welcome to ensure these are done by someone whose lands the event is taking place upon.
The protocol welcome emphasizes building relationships and fostering mutual respect between Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants. It is a way of honouring the deep-rooted Indigenous connection to the land and acknowledging the importance of Indigenous knowledge and perspectives in the context of the event.
Request a protocol welcome
BCIT Indigenous Initiatives and Partnerships may be able to connect you with an Elder or representative that is right for your BCIT event. In order to do so, please fill out this online form with enough notice prior to your event for us to try and fulfill the request.
It is important to note that local communities request a minimum of two months notice. Therefore, asks that come a week or two in advance of an event put an unnecessary and significant pressure on the Indigenous Initiatives and Partnerships team to secure an Elder or member of a local nation.