Advisory Note: Considerations and Minimum Fees for Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and Helpers
A Living Document developed by the Indigenous Protocols Collective with support from CARFAC National and the Indigenous Editors Association
Background
This Advisory Note was developed in collaboration with CARFAC National and the Indigenous Editors Association to recommend minimum rates and best practices for compensating Elders and Knowledge Keepers who share their time, knowledge, and cultural guidance in the Visual Arts sector.
These recommendations are based on interviews with vetted Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and Indigenous arts administrators across Canada, whose quotes you will see in green italicized font. They reflect the principles of reciprocity, respect, and relational accountability that underpin Indigenous knowledge systems.
This schedule is a living document—intended to evolve as community feedback and practices develop.
Positionality
CARFAC National has a long history of advocating for fair compensation for artists’ labour. This Advisory Note extends that advocacy to include Elders and Knowledge Keepers, recognizing that cultural and spiritual labour are equally deserving of fair, transparent, and consistent compensation. This Fee Schedule was created for the Visual Arts sector specifically, as Elders are invited to participate in events like exhibition opening ceremonies, consultations, witnessing, etc.
Elder and Knowledge Keeper Significance
Elders and Knowledge Keepers define themselves in many ways as they all carry different responsibilities and knowledge. During our interviews, we heard one common theme among interviewees about Elders and Knowledge Keepers; their role starts with recognition and acknowledgement from the Indigenous communities they serve.
Elders and Knowledge Keepers are sacred and valuable as they carry knowledge that sustains culture, language, and knowledge that needs to be safeguarded for knowledge transference.
“Elders are our experts, review boards, conflict mediators, historical consultants and more. Their workload is equivalent to a whole team. These are PhD level Keepers of Knowledge.”
Guiding Principles and Considerations
Reciprocity and Relationship
It is general protocol to include Elders and Knowledge Keepers who are Indigenous to the land you and your Organization is sitting on. Research and familiarize yourself with the Indigenous Peoples of the land you and your Organization are on. You can refer to indigenousprotocols.art for more helpful information.
Engagement with Elders and Knowledge Keepers is relational, not transactional. Put in the effort to build long-term, trusting relationships when appropriate. Payment and gifting is a means of acknowledging the time, preparation, and spiritual labour involved in sharing knowledge. Relationship building, trust, and ongoing communication are essential.
Working with Elders and Knowledge Keepers requires discernment; this comes with time and experience.
“Don’t let ego get in the way of the work.”
Relevance
It’s also considerate to seek Elders and Knowledge Keepers who carry knowledge and experience significant to the event or spaces you will invite them into. Example: If you’re seeking an Elder to do an Opening Prayer for an Exhibition Opening, it’s Customary Law/Protocol to invite someone Indigenous of the land you stand on. Furthermore, it’s ideal to seek someone with artistic or creative experience rather than someone who is involved in education or policy making. All Elders carry important knowledge they can share; the Elder or Knowledge Keeper may feel more comfortable speaking to topics related to their experience in this instance. Some Elders even ensure that the Organization's messaging aligns with their own.
“Elder’s time is finite. Some Elders are booked months in advance when they’re doing this work in retirement age, working 70-hour weeks and juggling institutional responsibilities. Where does this leave them time to be with community and their families? Is their time being used effectively? Are we checking boxes or are we looking for specific guidance? If we do get this guidance, are we going to follow through with it?”
Respect for Protocol
Some Elders require plant or traditional protocols such as tobacco, teas, honey, cloth, etc. Implement these requests respectfully.
Some Elders may not ask for or even decline compensation as they may view their teachings as non-transactional. Our recommendation is to always give compensation for their time, unless the offer is viewed as disrespectful. In that case, consider gifting something of equal or more value to the offer of compensation. Ask in advance what is appropriate.
Do not interrupt, rush, or cut off an Elder when they are speaking, especially if you’ve asked them to be there to share their knowledge. Ensure you and your team know this before the engagement is to take place. If necessary, work extra time into your event schedule as a buffer. Express genuine gratitude for their knowledge shared.
Food is also central to how many Indigenous people connect and build relationships. When possible, serve food.
“Ask Elders what their preferences are for the format of their work. Example: ask if they would prefer their opening to happen before food and/or alcohol is served, if it is being served.”
Transparency and Timing
Discuss payment methods and protocols early in the planning process. Clarify when and how payment will be made, and ensure that it arrives promptly following the engagement. Recognize that spiritual preparation often begins long before an event and ends after the engagement – this time should be compensated accordingly. Some Elders may prefer cash vs. e-transfer if it is administratively possible.
“We need to value Elder and Knowledge Keeper knowledge the same way we value Academic knowledge. There needs to be a distinction between a regular honorarium and a speaker fee. Community, nine out of ten times, will undervalue themselves.”
Accessibility and Support
Some Elders require helpers for transportation, translation, administration, or physical assistance/accessibility. We heard a number of times in our interviews that Elders and Knowledge Keepers will share their own fee with their helpers. This can be solved institutionally. Helpers should receive separate compensation and gifts. Elders and Knowledge Keepers may also need administrative support to navigate institutional paperwork processes if required. Ensure they have the administrative help they need to complete any documentation through the institution or through their helper.
“Compensate Elders equitably to demonstrate values aligning with words like reciprocity and decolonization that are used frequently, and frivolously.”
Gifting
When gifting, prioritize authentic Indigenous-made items. Consider practical gifts such as teas, blankets, handmade crafts, jams, etc. When unsure, ask what would be most appreciated or useful.
Recommended Minimum Fees (2026)
Land Acknowledgement, Opening and/or Closing Prayer $475 + Gift
Speaker Fee $1000 + Gift
Helper/Support Role $300/day + Gift
These rates reflect averages reported by Elders and Indigenous arts administrators. Urban, institutional, and government contexts should pay above minimums. Separate from the minimum fee, cover travel, accommodations, and meals for all participants.
Tax Consideration
● Tax Exemption: Elders and Knowledge Keepers working on-reserve are tax exempt. Advocacy is ongoing for tax-exempt status for all honoraria and fees paid to Elders, regardless of where their work takes place.
Ethical Engagement Questions
Before inviting an Elder or Knowledge Keeper, ensure your team can answer:
● Have we asked about appropriate protocols and preferred forms of compensation?
● Have we ensured payment will be delivered promptly and according to each Elder/Knowledge Keepers preferences?
● Have we acquired an appropriate gift that is ideally Indigenous-made?
● Are travel, meals, and accommodation covered? If not, have we ensured the invited Elder’s needs will be cared for for the duration of their stay?
● Have we built in time for rest, relationship building, and community connection?
● Have we included compensation for helpers or mentees?
● Have we communicated to our staff that they do not rush or interrupt an Elder or Knowledge Keeper when they are speaking?
Acknowledgements
We thank the Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and Indigenous arts administrators who contributed their experience and wisdom to this work. Their generosity continues to shape the way artists, organizations, and institutions engage with Indigenous knowledge. We thank the Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and helpers that have shaped their cultures, knowledge, and practices since time immemorial.
We thank the Indigenous Editors Association for their funding and research support to make this initiative possible.
Community Feedback
We are aware that Indigenous folks may have feedback, questions, or concerns upon reading this Advisory Note. Inquiries can be directed to larissa@carfac.ca. We realize Elder and Knowledge Keeper work is complex and nuanced. This document is a living document.
Note d’orientation : Recommandations et tarifs minimaux relatifs aux personnes aînées et gardiennes du savoir, et à leurs auxiliaires
Document évolutif élaboré par le Collectif des protocoles autochtones avec l’appui de CARFAC National et de l’Association des éditeurs autochtones
Contexte
Le Collectif des protocoles autochtones (Indigenous Protocols Collective) est un réseau d’artistes autochtones, de travailleur·euse·s culturel·le·s et de gardien·ne·s du savoir traditionnel qui encouragent le respect des protocoles culturels autochtones dans le domaine des arts. Cette note d’orientation a été élaborée de manière collaborative par CARFAC National et l’Association des éditeurs autochtones (Indigenous Editors Association) afin de recommander des tarifs minimaux et des pratiques exemplaires en matière de rémunération des personnes aînées et gardiennes du savoir qui consacrent de leur temps à partager leurs connaissances et leurs conseils en matière culturelle dans le secteur des arts visuels.
Ces recommandations sont fondées sur des entretiens menés avec des aînés, des gardien·ne·s du savoir et des administrateur·trice·s artistiques autochtones de tout le Canada, dont les citations apparaissent en vert et en italique. Elles reflètent les principes de réciprocité, de respect et de responsabilité relationnelle qui sous-tendent les systèmes de connaissances autochtones.
Ce recueil de directives est un document voué à évoluer en fonction des commentaires et des pratiques de la communauté.
Positionnement
CARFAC National milite depuis longtemps en faveur d’une rémunération équitable pour le travail des artistes. La présente note d’orientation élargit ce combat aux personnes aînées et gardiennes du savoir, reconnaissant que le travail culturel et spirituel mérite tout autant une rémunération équitable, transparente et cohérente. Ce barème des tarifs a été créé spécifiquement pour le secteur des arts visuels, car il arrive régulièrement que des aîné·e·s soient invité·e·s à participer à des événements tels que des cérémonies d’ouverture d’expositions, des consultations, des séances de témoignages, etc.
L’importance particulière des personnes aînées et gardiennes du savoir
Les personnes aînées et gardiennes du savoir se définissent de nombreuses façons, car elles et ils possèdent des responsabilités et des connaissances différentes. Au cours de nos entretiens, un thème commun est souvent revenu au sujet des personnes aînées et gardiennes du savoir : la validation de leur rôle commence par la reconnaissance et l’acceptation des communautés autochtones qu’ils servent.
Les personnes aînées et gardiennes du savoir sont des êtres précieux possédant une dimension sacrée, car elles et ils détiennent des connaissances en matière de langue et de culture, qui doivent être préservées pour assurer la transmission.
« Les aîné·e·s sont nos experts, nos comités d’examen, nos médiateurs en cas de conflit, nos consultants historiques, et bien plus encore. Leur charge de travail se compare à celle d’une équipe entière. Le niveau de ces gardien·ne·s du savoir équivaut à un doctorat. »
Principes directeurs et considérations
Réciprocité et relations
Le protocole général veut que l’on inclue des personnes aînées et gardiennes du savoir autochtones du territoire sur lequel est basé notre organisme. Faites des recherches et familiarisez-vous avec les peuples autochtones de ce territoire. Le site indigenousprotocols.art vous procurera des informations utiles.
L’engagement auprès des personnes aînées et gardiennes du savoir est avant tout relationnel, et non transactionnel. Efforcez-vous d’établir des relations de confiance à long terme lorsque c’est approprié. Le paiement d’honoraires et les cadeaux représente un moyen de reconnaître le temps, la préparation et le travail spirituel nécessaires au partage des connaissances. Il est essentiel d’établir des relations, de gagner la confiance de vos invité·e·s et de maintenir une communication continue.
Travailler avec des personnes aînées et gardiennes du savoir nécessite un discernement qui s’acquiert avec le temps et l’expérience.
« Ne laissez pas votre égo entraver votre travail. »
Pertinence
Il est également judicieux de solliciter des personnes aînées et gardiennes du savoir qui possèdent des connaissances et une expérience pertinentes pour l’événement ou les espaces auxquels vous les convierez. À titre d’exemple, si vous recherchez un aîné ou une aînée pour prononcer une prière d’ouverture lors du vernissage d’une exposition, la coutume veut que vous invitiez une personne autochtone de la région où vous vous trouvez. Tous les aînés et aînées possèdent des connaissances importantes pouvant être partagées; toutefois, dans un tel cas, il sera préférable de chercher une personne possédant une expérience artistique ou créative plutôt qu’une personne active en éducation ou dans l’élaboration de politiques, par exemple. Ainsi, la personne invitée se sentira peut-être plus à l’aise pour parler de sujets liés à son expérience. Il arrive parfois même que certains aîné·e·s veillent à ce que le message de l’organisme corresponde au leur.
« Certaines interventions sont réservées des mois à l’avance. Les aîné·e·s ne disposent pas d’un temps illimité ; elles et ils se retrouvent souvent, à l’âge de la retraite, à travailler 70 heures par semaine, jonglant avec les responsabilités institutionnelles. Cela leur laisse-t-il du temps pour être avec leur communauté et leur famille ? Leur temps est-il utilisé efficacement ? Cochons-nous simplement des cases « à faire », ou recherchons-nous des conseils spécifiques ? Et si nous obtenons ces conseils, allons-nous les suivre ? »
Respect for Protocol
Some Elders require plant or traditional protocols such as tobacco, teas, honey, cloth, etc. Implement these requests respectfully.
Some Elders may not ask for or even decline compensation as they may view their teachings as non-transactional. Our recommendation is to always give compensation for their time, unless the offer is viewed as disrespectful. In that case, consider gifting something of equal or more value to the offer of compensation. Ask in advance what is appropriate.
Do not interrupt, rush, or cut off an Elder when they are speaking, especially if you’ve asked them to be there to share their knowledge. Ensure you and your team know this before the engagement is to take place. If necessary, work extra time into your event schedule as a buffer. Express genuine gratitude for their knowledge shared.
Food is also central to how many Indigenous people connect and build relationships. When possible, serve food.
“Ask Elders what their preferences are for the format of their work. Example: ask if they would prefer their opening to happen before food and/or alcohol is served, if it is being served.”
Transparency and Timing
Discuss payment methods and protocols early in the planning process. Clarify when and how payment will be made, and ensure that it arrives promptly following the engagement. Recognize that spiritual preparation often begins long before an event and ends after the engagement – this time should be compensated accordingly. Some Elders may prefer cash vs. e-transfer if it is administratively possible.
“We need to value Elder and Knowledge Keeper knowledge the same way we value Academic knowledge. There needs to be a distinction between a regular honorarium and a speaker fee. Community, nine out of ten times, will undervalue themselves.”
Accessibility and Support
Some Elders require helpers for transportation, translation, administration, or physical assistance/accessibility. We heard a number of times in our interviews that Elders and Knowledge Keepers will share their own fee with their helpers. This can be solved institutionally. Helpers should receive separate compensation and gifts. Elders and Knowledge Keepers may also need administrative support to navigate institutional paperwork processes if required. Ensure they have the administrative help they need to complete any documentation through the institution or through their helper.
“Compensate Elders equitably to demonstrate values aligning with words like reciprocity and decolonization that are used frequently, and frivolously.”
Gifting
When gifting, prioritize authentic Indigenous-made items. Consider practical gifts such as teas, blankets, handmade crafts, jams, etc. When unsure, ask what would be most appreciated or useful.
Recommended Minimum Fees (2026)
Land Acknowledgement, Opening and/or Closing Prayer $475 + Gift
Speaker Fee $1000 + Gift
Helper/Support Role $300/day + Gift
These rates reflect averages reported by Elders and Indigenous arts administrators. Urban, institutional, and government contexts should pay above minimums. Separate from the minimum fee, cover travel, accommodations, and meals for all participants.
Tax Consideration
● Tax Exemption: Elders and Knowledge Keepers working on-reserve are tax exempt. Advocacy is ongoing for tax-exempt status for all honoraria and fees paid to Elders, regardless of where their work takes place.
Ethical Engagement Questions
Before inviting an Elder or Knowledge Keeper, ensure your team can answer:
● Have we asked about appropriate protocols and preferred forms of compensation?
● Have we ensured payment will be delivered promptly and according to each Elder/Knowledge Keepers preferences?
● Have we acquired an appropriate gift that is ideally Indigenous-made?
● Are travel, meals, and accommodation covered? If not, have we ensured the invited Elder’s needs will be cared for for the duration of their stay?
● Have we built in time for rest, relationship building, and community connection?
● Have we included compensation for helpers or mentees?
● Have we communicated to our staff that they do not rush or interrupt an Elder or Knowledge Keeper when they are speaking?
Acknowledgements
We thank the Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and Indigenous arts administrators who contributed their experience and wisdom to this work. Their generosity continues to shape the way artists, organizations, and institutions engage with Indigenous knowledge. We thank the Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and helpers that have shaped their cultures, knowledge, and practices since time immemorial.
We thank the Indigenous Editors Association for their funding and research support to make this initiative possible.
Community Feedback
We are aware that Indigenous folks may have feedback, questions, or concerns upon reading this Advisory Note. Inquiries can be directed to larissa@carfac.ca. We realize Elder and Knowledge Keeper work is complex and nuanced. This document is a living document.