ICIP Respect & Use Statements Template

# Indigenous Cultural & Intellectual Property ICIP # Respect and Use Statements These statements provide a clear, public-facing acknowledgement of respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP). They are designed for use on websites, marketing materials, grant applications, reports, and project documentation to demonstrate a commitment to respectful, ethical, and culturally appropriate engagement. These statements do not replace consent, consultation, or formal agreements. ICIP Respect & Use Statement (Templates) Indigenous Cultural & Intellectual Property Respect Statement “We recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the custodians of their cultural knowledge, stories, designs, languages, and cultural expressions.” “We acknowledge that Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) is owned collectively and is deeply connected to Country, community, culture, and identity.” “We are committed to respecting ICIP and engaging with Indigenous cultural material only with appropriate consent, cultural authority, attribution, and benefit.” “Where Indigenous knowledge or cultural expression is shared, used, or referenced, we seek to do so respectfully, accurately, and in accordance with community protocols and ongoing custodianship.” Optional Add-On Statements “Organisations may include one or more of the following optional statements, depending on their activities.” Acknowledgement of Cultural Authority “We acknowledge the authority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to control how their cultural knowledge and expressions are used, shared, and represented.” Commitment to Ongoing Consent “We understand that consent may be ongoing, conditional, and subject to change, and we respect the right of communities and custodians to review or withdraw consent.” Commercial Use Disclaimer “Any commercial use of Indigenous cultural material is undertaken only with informed consent and appropriate agreements in place.” When to Use These Statements These statements are suitable for: Business and organisational websites Marketing and promotional materials Grant and funding applications Project reports and proposals Cultural engagement documentation When A Statement Is Not Enough A statement should not be used as a substitute for: Seeking consent from the appropriate custodians Entering into written agreements or licences Following community-specific cultural protocols Obtaining legal advice for complex or high-risk projects Customisation Notes You may customise this statement to: Reflect on specific Nations or communities you work with Acknowledge projects or collaborations Align with your organisation’s values and purpose Avoid language that: Implies ownership or control of Indigenous culture Suggests consent is automatic or permanent Treats culture as generic content These Statements are provided for guidance and good practice. They do not constitute legal advice.*