Protocols

Makerspaces can easily be created within the EDIDA framework, leaving room for all students to feel valued and successful.  Indigenous ways of knowing are inherently embedded throughout these spaces. If we want to help to build a strong community that fosters relationships, knowledge an creativity, makerspaces should be a commonality among all education facilities moving forward.

Indigenous ways of knowing needs to permeate throughout makerspaces. This includes inviting Elders, Knowledge Keepers, or Cultural Advisors to visit (The Alberta's Teacher Association. 2021, February).  Before you decide to invite members into your makerspace, to share their knowledge, it is important to understand protocols. These include: presenting an offering, providing a gift or honorarium for sharing their knowledge, and ensuring they are respected.

Protocols are important because they show respect for the original peoples of this land and how they conduct themselves. They also show that you value the Elder, their teachings, and their culture. When you invite them into your space you acknowledge you are trying to right the colonial supremacists of the past. It makes an Elder feel safe and respected in the space - a school- where they historically may have felt very unsafe and disrespected. It's also considerate of historical oppression and of possible internalized oppression the Elder may feel. 

These pictures below represent maker activities that were led by an Elder to ensure students understood the importance of the each significant artifact.