Guidelines for
Native Elders
As one of the primary sources of traditional
cultural knowledge, Native Elders bear the
responsibility to share and pass on that
knowledge in ways that are compatible with
traditional teachings and practices.
Native Elders may increase their cultural responsiveness
through the following actions:
a. Participate in local and regional Elders’ councils as a way
to help formulate, document and pass on traditional
cultural knowledge for future generations.
b. Help make explicit and incorporate locally-appropriate
cultural values in all aspects of life in the community,
while recognizing the diversity of opinion that may exist.
c. Make a point to utilize traditional ways of knowing,
teaching, listening and learning in passing on cultural
knowledge to others in the community.
d. Seek out information on ways to protect intellectual
property rights and retain copyright authority over all
local knowledge that is being shared with others for
documentation purposes.
4