Cultural Appropriation Statement

Cultural appropriation is when a dominant culture assumes and misuses elements from a culture of people who have been systematically oppressed by that dominant group.  Another way of saying this is the unauthorized use of another culture’s dance, dress, language, folklore, cuisine, traditional music or religious symbols. 

The Kaniksu Folk School seeks to be ever conscious that many “traditional crafts” and skills are rooted in specific indigenous groups’ cultures.  We do not wish to appropriate those crafts or skills.  We do wish to encourage the using of one’s hands to be creative and to be more self-sufficient.  Some skills have become universal in that they have been practiced by humans for millennia in every corner of the globe: basket making, making one’s clothes from leather and wool, wood-working, harvesting local edible and medicinal plants, making fire by friction, just to name a few.  We hope to provide a venue for teachers to pass on some of this old knowledge and to keep it alive for future generations.  If you have thoughts, comments, or feedback for us, we are always open to hear from you and to discuss this often complex subject.  We will continue to approach this thoughtfully, respectfully and consciously. 

Sincerely,

The Kaniksu Folk School Team