CARFAC NATIONAL presents the 2025 Indigenous Protocols for the Visual Arts Workshop Series:
Join us for our 2025 Indigenous Protocols Workshop Series, offering tailored sessions for diverse participants in the visual arts sector. These workshops, presented via Zoom, are designed to deepen understanding and foster respectful engagement with Indigenous protocols in the arts
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.
Indigenous Protocols for Non-Indigenous Artists
with Heather Stienhagen
The workshop will cover:
Guidance for respecting Indigenous Knowledge
Differences between Indigenous and Canadian Intellectual Property Systems
Learning about Indigenous Protocols - what are they? How do I use them when engaging with Indigenous people?
Practices to avoid - cultural appropriation, stereotypes, tokenism
Best practices and considerations for collaboration with an Indigenous Artist or Knowledge Keeper
Born and raised in the landscapes of Whitehorse, Yukon, Heather (Von) Steinhagen is an intuitive, painter and fine toy maker. With roots in Cowessess First Nation (mother, Cree) and Germany (father, 2nd generation Canadian), Heather's work blends diverse cultural influences and a deep connection to her northern upbringing. Heather's passion for creative innovation and community building drives both her artistic practice and professional endeavours. She holds a Visual Arts Diploma from Vancouver Island University and a Bachelor of Fine Arts, majoring in Community Arts Education, from Concordia University. Her educational background, combined with over a decade of experience in early childhood education and community arts, informs her unique approach to art and education.
In her professional career, Heather has served as an Arts Administrator for the Yukon Arts Centre and Government of Yukon Tourism and Culture and is the former Executive Director of the Yukon Arts Society. Currently, she is the part-time Director of Operations and Digital Strategist for the Canadian Crafts Federation, where she continues to support and advocate for the arts community.Heather’s northern upbringing taught her the value of synchronicity with nature, and her artistic journey is a testament to her commitment to meditative, creative discovery. In her downtime, she enjoys building websites, experimenting with graphic design, and advocating for the importance of early childhood education and lifelong learning