Have you ever admired a garment decorated with ancestral motifs, and wondered if you would have the right to wear it? Here’s an enlightening little quiz on the difference between cultural appropriation and appreciation.
Non-Indigenous are not allowed to dance at a Pow Wow. True or false?
FALSE — During some dances, everyone is invited into the circle! It’s a unique moment to come together and move to the rhythm of the drums
Wearing authentic earrings from an Indigenous boutique is a gesture of appreciation. True or false?
TRUE — Buying Indigenous crafts allows you to connect with another culture and be comes, by the same token, an act of appreciation. However, some pieces may carry a sacred dimension, hence the importance of using them respectfully. Indigenous artists are delighted to talk to their customers about the process of designing and creating. So don’t hesitate to go and meet them!
Buying experiences or items inspired by Indigenous cultures pays homage to them. True or false?
FALSE — This is called appropriation, since elements of a culture are decontextualized and used for financial gain. This practice can take many forms. The most common is that of handicrafts or art objects, which are said to be Indigenous, but which are made entirely by non-Indigenous. The same is true for non-Indigenous companies that offer experiences inspired by ancestral traditions. For some communities, tourism and handicrafts are ways to share their culture and foster their socio-economic development. Appropriation can therefore have a real impact on First Nations.
Wearing a traditional Indigenous costume for Halloween is disrespectful. True or false?
TRUE — Dressing up as an Indigenous person (in any form) is offensive. Donning regalia, for example, is considered an act of cultural appropriation, as it reinforces stereotypes about Indigenous people. To learn more about the sacred meaning of a regalia, read our article on it!
Cultural appreciation is about much more than just buying crafts. True or false?
TRUE — You can also discover Indigenous cultures through tourist activities. Parks, museums, and sites that develop content in collaboration with First Nations and Inuit are also complementary allies to Indigenous offerings.