Day one Background To address the re-occurring discussion of protocols and their relevance and application within the arts community, the FPCC organized this Cultural Protocols and Arts Forum. It took three years of effort to generate the minimal $50,000 required to move forward with the initiative. Within the context of proactive movement towards clarity and the development of practical and accessible recommendations and a report, invitations were extended to Aboriginal artists, art organizations and individuals with experiences, methodologies and tools to contribute to this conversation.
The Hosts The Forum was hosted at the En’owkin Centre in Penticton, BC. Their staff, along with community representatives, Elders and youth from the Penticton Indian Band welcomed participants to their territory in accordance with Syilx traditions and customs. Syilx Elders and youth generously shared their time and their knowledge with participants over the two days. Syilx pride and culture were featured throughout the two-day forum. In addition they arranged healthy nutrition breaks and lunches, accommodation, shuttle service and a cultural feast that included entertainment.
The Venue The En’owkin Centre is an Indigenous cultural, educational and creative arts institution located on the Penticton Indian Reserve. It offers a culturally sensitive learning environment with a full complement of training and educational programs. The Centre also serves as a meeting facility and has hosted cultural gatherings, conferences, exhibitions, weddings, workshops and retreats. The Centre is a full service facility that easily accommodated the Forum’s itinerary and administrative needs. It provided a registration area, large central gathering space, breakout rooms, a kitchen and washrooms. There are many outdoor gathering areas, garden spaces and ample parking.
Participants A Call for Expression of Interest was widely distributed via the networks of the First Peoples’ Cultural Council and the Working Group, the Aboriginal Arts Administrator email list-serve, and social media. A number of invitations were sent directly to people who had obvious expertise and interest. Participants came from across Canada, with the strongest representation being from within BC. We were able to cover travel and accommodation expenses for 40 people (three cancelled due to illness), while those who lived locally, or who represented wellresourced organizations and funders covered their own expenses. It was our intention to have all attendees be contributors to the forum, and through presentations, roundtable discussions and other modes of sharing, 32 of the attendees contributed in very direct ways through panels, group discussions and performances.
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