Orpheus Music Cultural Protocol

Orpheus Music has produced this document to formalise our commitment to reconciliation.

Introduction

Orpheus Music recognises the unique status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the first inhabitants of this land. We acknowledge the special relationship that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have with their traditional lands and waters, as well as their unique history and diverse cultures, customs and circumstances.

Purpose

In publishing these protocols Orpheus Music indicates its commitment to pursuing genuine recognition of the truth concerning Australia’s colonisation and history. Aboriginal people are the traditional custodians of the land, stories and practices; we recognise and respect this through ensuring cultural protocols are acknowledged and adhered to.

What are cultural protocols?

Cultural protocols refer to principles and practices that guide the behaviour of a cultural group. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples these protocols include historic and current customs, practices, traditional lore and codes that are part of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural observances. These cultural protocols embody respect for the history, culture and diversity of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

These protocols are based on documents listed below in the bibliography section which will guide Orpheus Music concerning the rights of Aboriginal people to:

Own and control their cultural and intellectual property
Ensure that any means of protecting their cultural and intellectual property is based on the principle of self-determination
Be recognised as the primary guardians and interpreters of their cultures and so regulate how stories and information are presented

Authorise or refuse the use of their cultural and intellectual property according to customary law
Where relevant maintain the secrecy of the knowledge and other cultural practices
Be given full and proper attribution for sharing their heritage
Control the recording of cultural customs and expressions, the particular language which may be intrinsic to cultural identity, knowledge, skill and teaching of culture.

Legal Recognition and Protection

Orpheus Music supports the development and implementation of Australian laws and policies that respect and protect Indigenous rights to cultural and intellectual property.

Acknowledgements

Orpheus Music created this cultural protocol with material from numerous resources freely available on the internet, which we have referenced below. We would like to acknowledge those resources and authors cited, and thank the organisations that have made them available for all to use, with special thanks to Arts Northwest.