True Tracks delivers strong foundational understanding of Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property

Whenever we survey members about their professional development needs, two topics will reliably be high on their list. Copyright is one, as a rapidly changing and specialist field that editors nonetheless need good working knowledge of. Working with First Nations authors, knowledge and content is another, as it often requires new ways of working and of understanding the editor role. 

Given that, earlier this year IPEd approached Copyright Australia and legal firm Terri Janke and Company (TJC) to work together in developing editing-focused training packages. We are delighted that the first of those – “True Tracks®: Indigenous copyright and IP for editors” – is now available. This workshop will be run by Neane Carter, senior solicitor and Dja Dja Wurrung, Yorta Yorta, Wamba Wamba, Wergaia and Wotjobaluk woman, and Cynthia Nguyen, solicitor, both from TJC.

TJC is a 100% Indigenous owned and managed firm and is Australia’s leading provider of training in this area, offering workshops that are both practical and thought provoking. Past participants have described these as “a great start in helping me to see copyright law – and the concepts of authorship and ownership – in a different way” and “engaging, clearly presented and full of real life examples”.

The training will introduce you to the True Tracks® framework, designed by TJC based on over 24 years of experience in Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) rights. This term collectively refers to cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and traditional cultural expression. You may well know the firm’s work, and the work of Dr Terri Janke. Her book True Tracks: respecting Indigenous knowledge and culture (UNSW Press, 2021) was lauded by author Tara June Winch as “the definitive guide to producing, telling, showing and making Australia” and shortlisted in the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards 2022. Even if you don’t recognise Terri’s name, you’ve probably used some of the standard resources she’s created, such as Creative Australia’s Protocols for using First Nations Cultural and Intellectual Property in the arts.

The workshop provides participants with key resources, and explores case studies and typical scenarios working editors are likely to encounter. As described by Neane Carter:

The True Tracks® workshop equips participants with a strong foundational understanding of best practice when engaging with First Nations people and their ICIP. It’s an empowering experience that builds confidence and inspires respectful engagement with content that involves or relates to culture.