Designs used in Indigenous art are often only permitted to be painted or carved by a particular group of people. With the popularity of Indigenous art, some non-Indigenous people have caused great offence to Indigenous people by copying their designs in contemporary art. Artists and crafts-people need to check before using Indigenous people’s artwork.

PROTOCOLS

Harmonious communication between people from different cultures depends on more than just knowing the language or what food to serve for dinner.

There are other 'invisible' codes of behaviour, or protocols, which develop over generations that people are taught, usually by example, from birth. Such rules are not necessarily discussed yet are learnt and followed by whole communities to ensure appropriate and relevant behaviour and communication.

In Western society, for example, people agree to wear black to funerals, keep left when walking, stand up and offer a seat to the elderly, and use manners such as please and thank you.

Unlike many other cultures, Westerners generally look each other in the eye when talking, speak freely about the deceased and some women wear clothing which reveals their faces, legs and cleavage. Indigenous people follow their own special set of protocols which complements their culture and helps them understand each other.

Non-Indigenous people can easily offend, upset, embarrass or misunderstand Indigenous people when they don't understand Indigenous protocols.

The best way to learn about protocols is to ask an Indigenous person for help and to be observant of others’ behaviour when mixing with Indigenous people.

Customs, protocols and ceremonies vary from place to place so it is important to find out the local ‘rules’ when visiting a new group.

Some subjects should always be treated sensitively around Indigenous people – these include discussion between the sexes, talking about deceased people and repeating conversations out of context.

It is very important in Indigenous culture not to cause offence or embarrass others. It may be very shameful to embarrass Indigenous people by asking a question about their culture they can’t answer in front of friends, family or workmates.

Protocols have spiritual, legal, political and social relevance in Indigenous culture. This means non-Indigenous people must understand protocols if they are to have harmonious and successful dealings with Indigenous people.

The following are some general protocols and useful information about interacting with Indigenous people. These may not be correct in every situation, so it is wise to observe and learn and not make cultural assumptions when communicating with people from different cultural groups.

• Indigenous people are very courteous and rarely use the word ‘no’. ’Yes’ may not be an agreement but used as an acknowledgement
• Scant or inappropriate clothing when around the opposite sex may cause embarrassment
• Conversation is not rushed or complex – there are often lengthy pauses to consider what may seem a simple topic
• Initially it is courteous for men to communicate with men and women with women
• Some Indigenous people are uncomfortable with direct and extended eye contact
• People are often introduced according to their relationship rather than their name, such as cousin, brother or aunt
• Direct, and particularly personal, questions are inappropriate
• Travellers should contact the Aboriginal Land Council responsible for an area to be travelled to find out about rules for local visits.