Protecting Indigenous Intellectual Property: A Program Built for Real-World Impact
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
As innovation continues to grow across Canada, so does the need to better understand how Indigenous Knowledge is protected, respected, and applied within modern systems.
The Protecting Indigenous Intellectual Property (IP) Program, developed by North Forge in partnership with Communitech, was created to help bridge the gap between Canadian IP frameworks and Indigenous Knowledge systems.
Through practical tools, legal context, and culturally grounded guidance, the program equips participants with the knowledge needed to navigate this complex and evolving space.
Bridging Two Systems
Canadian intellectual property systems were not originally designed to fully account for Indigenous Knowledge, cultural heritage, or collective ownership.
This program helps participants understand:
• Where Canadian IP frameworks support Indigenous IP protection
• Where limitations and challenges still exist
• How to navigate real-world scenarios
What the Program Covers
Across 10 modules led by Indigenous IP lawyers and experts, participants explore key areas including:
• Indigenous cultural heritage
• Traditional Knowledge (TK)
• Traditional Cultural Expressions (TCEs)
• Commercialization and business applications
• Contracts, ownership, and partnership considerations
• Enforcement and protection strategies
• Real-world case studies
The program also examines emerging developments shaping the future of Indigenous IP.
How the Program Works
Designed to be flexible and accessible, the program is self-guided and includes:
• Video lessons
• Quizzes
• Downloadable resources
This structure allows participants to learn at their own pace while gaining practical, applicable knowledge they can use immediately.
Built by Indigenous Experts
A key strength of the program is its foundation.
Developed in collaboration with Indigenous IP lawyers and experts, the content reflects both legal expertise and lived understanding. This ensures the material is not only accurate but culturally grounded and relevant. Content contributors include: Kendall (Dell) Dyck, Silvia de Sousa, Shoshanna Paul, Yvan Guy Larocque, and Vandana Taxali.
Why This Work Matters
Protecting Indigenous IP is not always straightforward.
There are gaps within existing systems, and without the right knowledge, it can be difficult to navigate ownership, partnerships, and protection strategies effectively.
This program helps close that gap by providing clarity, context, and practical tools that support more informed and responsible decision-making.
Get Started
The Protecting Indigenous IP Program is free to access and available now.
Whether you are building, creating, or collaborating, this program offers the knowledge needed to better understand how Indigenous intellectual property can be respected and protected.
