Akwaamajiwe (she/he/they climbs a hill or mountain)
Professional Development Workshop Series for Indigenous Artists 2026–2027
The Indigenous Protocols Collective invites First Nations, Métis, and Inuit (FNMI) Artists across Canada to take part in six free professional development workshops throughout Fall 2026 and Winter 2027. Led by Indigenous Artists and arts professionals, this series offers space to build practical skills, share knowledge, ask questions, and strengthen your artistic practice among fellow FNMI Artists. Two workshops on each topic will be offered; one in Fall and one in Winter.
Each workshop explores tools and considerations that support FNMI Artists at different stages of their careers. Together, these sessions create opportunities to further build foundational knowledge, learn from one another, and build confidence in navigating professional challenges.
All workshops will take place online via Zoom and are free to attend. These sessions are intended exclusively for FNMI Artists in Canada. Workshops will not be recorded, creating intentional space for conversation, shared learning, and exchange among Indigenous Artists.
Explore the workshop schedule below and register for any of all of the sessions that speak to your practice.
Pay attention to timezones; all workshops are listed in Eastern Time Zone (EST).
The schedule of workshops will be updated regularly, so keep watching for more details on dates, speakers, and how to register. All workshops will be supported by CARFAC National Programs Director, Larissa Desrosiers, who you can get to know here.
Please note: These presentations will provide a summary of issues as they relate to Indigenous Protocols and intellectual property. It does not replace professional legal advice if required, and it is always recommended that you contact and engage with the relevant Indigenous Nation(s) or community to discuss your project or specific questions.
We gratefully acknowledge financial support for the 2025 workshop series from the Canada Council for the Arts.
“The Circle Drawn Perfect: Artists Are Stronger Together” Fall Workshop with Jason Sikoak
“The Circle Drawn Perfect: Artists Are Stronger Together” Workshop with Jason Sikoak
Artists are stronger together! This workshop intends to provide Indigenous Artists with a space of empowerment and unity. How can we connect in ways that empower all of us as a collective as we navigate spaces that can feel isolating and draining? How can we lift each other up to continue developing our artistry?
“Know Your Shit: Understanding Copyright” Fall Workshop with Dayna Danger
“Know Your Shit: Understanding Copyright” Workshop with Dayna Danger
As Indigenous creators, navigating copyright, ownership and intellectual property within settler institutions can be complicated. Do you know your rights as an artist? Who owns your work? What happens when your art enters galleries, museums or other institutions? Do you know what to do when someone copies or uses your work without your permission?
This workshop creates space for Indigenous artists to understand their rights, challenge institutional practices and explore ways to protect their creative work, cultural knowledge and artistic sovereignty. Through conversation and shared experiences, we will unpack copyright, ownership and what it means to maintain control over our own creative practices.
"Artistic Considerations of Protocols and Traditional Knowledge" Fall Workshop with Monique Manatch
“Artistic Considerations of Protocols and Traditional Knowledge” Workshop with Monique Manatch
This workshop will provide Indigenous Artists with considerations surrounding Indigenous protocols as they relate to their artistic practices. What are Indigenous Protocols? What happens when a Protocol is broken? What do I need to know when working with cultural materials? Why can't I depict images from Nations outside of my own? What does safeguarding knowledge mean? Register today to further your understanding and to strengthen your artistic considerations surrounding Indigenous Protocols.
“Your Art, Your Voice: Setting Yourself Up For Digital Success” Fall Workshop with Justine Stilborn
“Your Art, Your Voice: Setting Yourself Up For Digital Success” Workshop with Justine Stilborn
In today’s digital landscape, taking control of your creative practice means having the tools, systems, and strategy to present your work on your own terms. Whether you're building your first website, navigating social media, or trying to put your artistic practice into words, this workshop breaks down the essentials without the confusing jargon. Designed as an interactive professional development session, we will walk you through the core foundations of digital organization and online presence while keeping your practice grounded in your authentic voice.
Led by Justine "Tini" Stilborn and supported by Larissa Desrosiers, this workshop blends practical strategy with guided, hands-on activities so you leave with tangible materials ready to digitize your artistic practice.
“Grants and Proposals” Fall Workshop with Liz Barron
“Grants and Proposals” Workshop with Liz Barron
This workshop will provide Indigenous Artists with practical guidance for Proposal and Grant Writing. What do I need for applications to Artist Run Centres Call for Proposals? What do I need to write a grant from start to finish? How do I write a budget? What is support material and why do I need it? Register today to set yourself up for success for your upcoming grants and proposals!
"Know Your Shit: Understanding Copyright" Winter Workshop with Dayna Danger
“Know Your Shit: Understanding Copyright” Workshop with Dayna Danger
As Indigenous creators, navigating copyright, ownership and intellectual property within settler institutions can be complicated. Do you know your rights as an artist? Who owns your work? What happens when your art enters galleries, museums or other institutions? Do you know what to do when someone copies or uses your work without your permission?
This workshop creates space for Indigenous artists to understand their rights, challenge institutional practices and explore ways to protect their creative work, cultural knowledge and artistic sovereignty. Through conversation and shared experiences, we will unpack copyright, ownership and what it means to maintain control over our own creative practices.
"Negotiating Contracts and Navigating Relationships" Winter Workshop with Summer-Harmony Twenish
“Negotiating Contracts and Navigating Relationships” Workshop with Summer-Harmony Twenish
This workshop will focus on artist contracts (what they are and how we negotiate them), building relationships with clients, having "the money talk", and special considerations for Indigenous artists (including navigating uncomfortable situations and when to walk away). The goal of this workshop is for artists to leave feeling confident and ready for their next big gig!
“The Circle Drawn Perfect: Artists Are Stronger Together” Winter Workshop with Jason Sikoak
“The Circle Drawn Perfect: Artists Are Stronger Together” Workshop with Jason Sikoak
Artists are stronger together! This workshop intends to provide Indigenous Artists with a space of empowerment and unity. How can we connect in ways that empower all of us as a collective as we navigate spaces that can feel isolating and draining? How can we lift each other up to continue developing our artistry?
"Artistic Considerations of Protocols and Traditional Knowledge" Winter Workshop with Monique Manatch
“Artistic Considerations of Protocols and Traditional Knowledge” Workshop with Monique Manatch
This workshop will provide Indigenous Artists with considerations surrounding Indigenous protocols as they relate to their artistic practices. What are Indigenous Protocols? What happens when a Protocol is broken? What do I need to know when working with cultural materials? Why can't I depict images from Nations outside of my own? What does safeguarding knowledge mean? Register today to further your understanding and to strengthen your artistic considerations surrounding Indigenous Protocols.
"Grants and Proposals" Winter Workshop with Liz Barron
“Grants and Proposals” Workshop with Liz Barron
This workshop will provide Indigenous Artists with practical guidance for Proposal and Grant Writing. What do I need for applications to Artist Run Centres Call for Proposals? What do I need to write a grant from start to finish? How do I write a budget? What is support material and why do I need it? Register today to set yourself up for success for your upcoming grants and proposals!
“Your Art, Your Voice: Setting Yourself Up For Digital Success” Winter Workshop with Justine Stilborn.
“Your Art, Your Voice: Setting Yourself Up For Digital Success” Workshop with Justine Stilborn
In today’s digital landscape, taking control of your creative practice means having the tools, systems, and strategy to present your work on your own terms. Whether you're building your first website, navigating social media, or trying to put your artistic practice into words, this workshop breaks down the essentials without the confusing jargon. Designed as an interactive professional development session, we will walk you through the core foundations of digital organization and online presence while keeping your practice grounded in your authentic voice.
Led by Justine "Tini" Stilborn and supported by Larissa Desrosiers, this workshop blends practical strategy with guided, hands-on activities so you leave with tangible materials ready to digitize your artistic practice.
“Negotiating Contracts and Navigating Relationships” Fall Workshop with Summer-Harmony Twenish
“Negotiating Contracts and Navigating Relationships” Workshop with Summer-Harmony Twenish
This workshop will focus on artist contracts (what they are and how we negotiate them), building relationships with clients, having "the money talk", and special considerations for Indigenous artists (including navigating uncomfortable situations and when to walk away). The goal of this workshop is for artists to leave feeling confident and ready for their next big gig!
Engagement and Collaboration for Cultural Workers
This workshop is for Indigenous or Canadian organizations whose primary mandate is to present visual or media art*, as well as independent cultural workers (curator, consultant, researcher, etc). We highly encourage organizations to register at least two participants, so knowledge is shared within the organization. Participants may include board and/or staff from the organization.
Indigenous Protocols for Non-Indigenous Artists
Indigenous Protocols for Non-Indigenous Artists
Over the course of the workshop, Larissa will provide guidance for respecting Indigenous Knowledge, facilitate discussions about Protocols, practices to avoid, as well as best practices for collaboration with Indigenous Artists and Knowledge Keepers
Engagement and Collaboration for Cultural Workers
This workshop is for Indigenous or Canadian organizations whose primary mandate is to present visual or media art*, as well as independent cultural workers (curator, consultant, researcher, etc). We highly encourage organizations to register at least two participants, so knowledge is shared within the organization. Participants may include board and/or staff from the organization.
Indigenous Protocols for Non-Indigenous Artists
Indigenous Protocols for Non-Indigenous Artists
Over the course of the workshop, Larissa will provide guidance for respecting Indigenous Knowledge, facilitate discussions about Protocols, practices to avoid, as well as best practices for collaboration with Indigenous Artists and Knowledge Keepers
Indigenous Protocols for Artists
Protection and Considerations for Indigenous Artists Workshop
Over the course of the workshops, we will have discussions around Intellectual Property, cultural appropriation, safeguarding cultural knowledge, and Indigenous artist’s rights and responsibilities when using traditional and contemporary imagery. There will also be information on how artists can protect their artwork using available tools and legal resources.
Engagement and Collaboration for Cultural Workers
This workshop is for Indigenous or Canadian organizations whose primary mandate is to present visual or media art*, as well as independent cultural workers (curator, consultant, researcher, etc). We highly encourage organizations to register at least two participants, so knowledge is shared within the organization. Participants may include board and/or staff from the organization.
Indigenous Protocols for Artists
Protection and Considerations for Indigenous Artists Workshop
Over the course of the workshops, we will have discussions around Intellectual Property, cultural appropriation, safeguarding cultural knowledge, and Indigenous artist’s rights and responsibilities when using traditional and contemporary imagery. There will also be information on how artists can protect their artwork using available tools and legal resources.
Protection and Considerations for Indigenous Artists
Indigenous Protocols for Artists
Over the course of the workshop, Larissa will provide guidance for respecting Indigenous Knowledge, facilitate discussions about Protocols, practices to avoid, as well as best practices for collaboration with Indigenous Artists and Knowledge Keepers.
Engagement and Collaboration for Organizations
This Conversation is for Organizations (Galleries, Museums, Artist-Run Centers) operating in Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. The workshop will be led by Larissa Desrosiers, an Ojibwe Queer Singer/Songwriter and Beadworker from Couchiching First Nation in Treaty #3, with featured speaker Teresa Vander Meer-Chassé, Visual Artist and Emerging Curator!
Over the course of the session, Larissa will facilitate a conversation with Teresa where we will discuss best practices to remember when working and/or collaborating with Indigenous Artists, Curators, and Knowledge Keepers. Additionally, we will discuss the importance of respecting Indigenous Knowledge and pathways to do so.
Protocols for Non-Indigenous Artists
This conversation is for Non-Indigenous Artists living in or connected to Yukon, BC, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. The workshop will be led by Larissa Desrosiers, an Ojibwe Queer Singer/Songwriter and Beadworker from Couchiching First Nation in Treaty #3, with featured speaker Heather Steinhagen, Craft Content Developer for the Canadian Crafts Federation.
Over the course of the session, Larissa will facilitate a discussion with Heather Steinhagen that will provide some historical context that encourages folks to respect Indigenous Knowledge as well as best practices for collaboration with Indigenous Artists and Knowledge Keepers.
Protection and Considerations for Indigenous Artists
This Conversation is for Indigenous Artists who are living in or connected to Yukon, BC, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. The session will be led by Larissa Desrosiers, an Ojibwe Singer/Songwriter and Beadwork Artist from Couchiching First Nation in Treaty #3 with featured speaker, Lisa Walker.
Over the course of the conversation session, we will have discussions around Intellectual Property, cultural appropriation, safeguarding cultural knowledge, and Indigenous artist’s rights and responsibilities when using traditional and contemporary imagery. There will also be information on how artists can protect their artwork using available tools and legal resources.
Engagement and Collaboration for Organizations
This Conversation is for Organizations (Galleries, Museums, Artist-Run Centers) operating in Yukon, BC, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. The workshop will be led by Larissa Desrosiers, an Ojibwe Queer Singer/Songwriter and Beadworker from Couchiching First Nation in Treaty #3, with featured speaker Tracey Kim Bonneau of Of The Land Productions Inc.
Over the course of the session, Larissa will facilitate a conversation with Tracey where we will discuss best practices to remember when working and/or collaborating with Indigenous Artists, Curators, and Knowledge Keepers. Additionally, we will discuss the importance of respecting Indigenous Knowledge and pathways to do so.
Protection and Considerations for Indigenous Artists
This Conversation is for Indigenous Artists who are living in or connected to Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec. The session will be led by Larissa Desrosiers, an Ojibwe Singer/Songwriter and Beadwork Artist from Couchiching First Nation in Treaty #3 with featured speakers TJ Cuthand and Quill Christie-Peters.
Over the course of the conversation session, we will have discussions around Intellectual Property, cultural appropriation, safeguarding cultural knowledge, and Indigenous artist’s rights and responsibilities when using traditional and contemporary imagery. There will also be information on how artists can protect their artwork using available tools and legal resources.
Protection and Considerations for Indigenous Artists
This Conversation is for Indigenous Artists who are living in or connected to Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. The session will be led by Larissa Desrosiers, an Ojibwe Singer/Songwriter and Beadwork Artist from Couchiching First Nation in Treaty #3 with featured speaker, Alex Antle of Bunchberry Beadwork!
Over the course of the conversation session, we will have discussions around Intellectual Property, cultural appropriation, safeguarding cultural knowledge, and Indigenous artist’s rights and responsibilities when using traditional and contemporary imagery. There will also be information on how artists can protect their artwork using available tools and legal resources.
Protocols for Non-Indigenous Artists
This conversation is for Non-Indigenous Artists living in or connected to Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. The workshop will be led by Larissa Desrosiers, an Ojibwe Queer Singer/Songwriter and Beadworker from Couchiching First Nation in Treaty #3, with featured speaker Charlie Gaffney, Wolastoqiyik Visual Artist and Educator.
Over the course of the session, Larissa will facilitate a discussion with Charlie that will provide some historical context that encourages folks to respect Indigenous Knowledge as well as best practices for collaboration with Indigenous Artists and Knowledge Keepers.
Indigenous Protocols for Organizations
This Conversation is for Organizations (Galleries, Museums, Artist-Run Centers) operating in Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. The workshop will be led by Larissa Desrosiers, an Ojibwe Queer Singer/Songwriter and Beadworker from Couchiching First Nation in Treaty #3, with featured speaker Michelle McGeough, Assistant Professor in the Department of Art History at Concordia University.
Over the course of the session, Larissa will facilitate a conversation with Michelle where we will discuss best practices to remember when working and/or collaborating with Indigenous Artists, Curators, and Knowledge Keepers. Additionally, we will discuss the importance of respecting Indigenous Knowledge and pathways to do so.
Indigenous Protocols for Organizations
This workshop is for participants from arts organizations living in or connected to Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec. The workshop will be led by Larissa Desrosiers, an Ojibwe Queer Singer/Songwriter and Beadworker from Couchiching First Nation in Treaty #3, with featured speaker, Danielle Printup, Indigenous Cultural Engagement Coordinator at the Carleton University Art Gallery.
Over the course of the workshop, Larissa will provide historical context and guidance for respecting Indigenous Knowledge, facilitate discussions and activities about Protocols, practices to avoid, as well as best practices for collaboration with Indigenous Artists and Knowledge Keepers.
Protocols for Non-Indigenous Artists
This conversation is for Non-Indigenous Artists living in or connected to Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec. The workshop will be led by Larissa Desrosiers, an Ojibwe Queer Singer/Songwriter and Beadworker from Couchiching First Nation in Treaty #3, with featured speaker Dayna Danger.
Over the course of the session, Larissa will facilitate a discussion with Dayna that will provide some historical context that encourages folks to respect Indigenous Knowledge as well as best practices for collaboration with Indigenous Artists and Knowledge Keepers.
Indigenous Protocols for Artists
This workshop is for non-Indigenous Artists living in or connected to Nunavut or the Northwest Territories. The workshop will be led by Larissa Desrosiers, an Ojibwe Queer Singer/Songwriter and Beadworker from Couchiching First Nation in Treaty #3, with featured speaker Theresie Tungilik, Artist and Advisor for the Government of Nunavut in the Department of Arts and Traditional Economy.
Over the course of the workshop, Larissa will provide historical context and guidance for respecting Indigenous Knowledge, facilitate discussions and activities about Protocols, practices to avoid, as well as best practices for collaboration with Indigenous Artists and Knowledge Keepers.
Protection and Considerations for Northern Indigenous Artists
This workshop is for Indigenous artists living in or connected to Nunavut or the Northwest Territories. The workshop will be led by Larissa Desrosiers, an Ojibwe Queer Singer/Songwriter and Beadworker from Couchiching First Nation in Treaty #3, with featured speaker Iqaluit-based Inuk jeweler, Mathew Nuqingaq.
Over the course of the workshop, we’ll review Indigenous Protocols, their application and how to respect them throughout your artistic practice. We’ll discuss cultural appropriation as well as safeguarding cultural knowledge. There will be an introduction to Intellectual Property and copyright related terminology, and how artists can protect their artwork using available tools and legal resources.
Indigenous Protocols: Pathways of Protection
A CARFAC National Webinar Series presentation.
Wednesday, March 23 at 4PM EST (check your local time)
Join us for a conversation with Indigenous Protocols for the Visual Arts contributors David Garneau, Lou-ann Neel and Theresie Tungilik. They’ll be discussing the creation of the guide, respecting Indigenous Protocols from their own perspectives and some of the steps that can be taken to protect Indigenous Cultural Expressions. The presentation will be moderated by Liz Barron, Project Manager, and there will be time for a Q&A at the end.
Registration is required.
Indigenous Protocols for the Visual Arts
In partnership with the Artist-Run Centres and Collectives Conference (ARCA) on February 22, 2022 at 2 pm Central (check your local time). Speakers include Lori Beavis and Daina Warren.
Registration for this meeting is closed.
Navigating Indigenous Protocols & Intellectual Property
In partnership with the National Indigenous Media Arts Coalition (NIMAC) presented on January 11, 2022 at 4 pm Central. Speakers included Tracey Kim Bonneau and T'uy't'tanat-Cease Wyss.
Registration for this meeting is now closed.