[Guidelines for Using Resources]

• 1. What are the general and specific protocols for utilizing and incorporating the resources available on
  this site?

Protocols are local. Therefore, it is important to seek guidance through your school district personnel and develop relationships of trust and reciprocity directly with local Indigenous community members and community-led organizations.

• 2. Can I have information regarding the protocols for incorporating Indigenous music into classrooms?

Indigenous is a large umbrella term. A distinctions-based approach best serves the needs of your students. Do you mean First Nations, Métis, or Inuit? Within each group, what are the specific people (e.g., Coast Salish)? Within that language group, what is the specific First Nation (e.g., Musqueam)? See above regarding protocols.

[Guidelines for Using Resources]

• 3. Could you provide guidance on the protocols associated with each song, including how to respectfully
  communicate the song’s origins, how it was shared, and through whom it was received?

See #1.

• 4. Is there an introductory letter or template I can use to formally request permission to share the resources created for our district?

Oral communication may be the best because it requires people to invest effort and develop relationships. It isn’t only about receiving permission to use a resource. Receiving permission to use a resource granted to a school district may require teacher professional development. Discuss this with the cultural worker at your school and your SD Indigenous Education department. Be aware that their priority is to support Indigenous students first, and then, supporting teachers (although these responsibilities are often intertwined).

[Connecting with Indigenous Musicians and Communities]

• 1. Could you provide contact information regarding individuals who are open to sharing songs and
  cultural knowledge?

Please see our list of links to organizations that support Indigenous musicians and links to individual musicians under Resources – Canada.

• 2. I would appreciate advice on how to connect with Indigenous musicians, specifically from the Musqueam, Tsleil-Waututh, and Squamish Nations.

Since these communities are located in large metropolitan areas, it might be best to go through your SD Indigenous Education departments. If you live in a smaller community, it may be far easier to communicate directly with the office(s) of the First Nation(s) on whose territory(ies) your SD is located.

[Connecting with Indigenous Musicians and Communities]

• 3. Who are the appropriate persons within each school district to contact in order to reach out to Elders or cultural Knowledge Keepers who can guide music education initiatives?

Speak to your school’s cultural worker(s), Elders-in-Residence, Indigenous mentors, and other personnel first. They may be able to point you to the right person. Be patient. All these individuals have
responsibilities and are pulled in many directions simultaneously. In the meantime, be proactive and learn more about your local First Nation.