09/30/2025
September 30, 2025 - the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada - is the appropriate day to publish "Giving Back, Moving Forward: Practicing Reciprocity in Publishing" by the Indigenous Editors Association, created in collaboration with RavenSpace Publishing.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VCdAZ9Gkz__QVR00Diisbj1mP9ZtpHyx/view?usp=sharing
We are thankful for the contributions of the Indigenous Editors Association (IEA) Circle, and the authors, and we are grateful for funding from the Access Copyright Foundation - Marian Hebb Research Grant.
Here is an excerpt on the Principles of Reciprocity:
CONSENT
Several key principles underpin reciprocity in Indigenous publishing. One of the most important is free, prior, and informed consent—consent that is given voluntarily, without coercion or manipulation. It must be based on ethical collaboration, accountability, and respect for Indigenous rights and worldviews, ensuring that publishing supports rather than exploits Indigenous storytelling. Consent applies to all aspects of a project, including
knowledge within a book, photographs, and digital additions to a book project.
MUTUAL BENEFIT
Another core principle of reciprocity is mutual benefit. Unlike many past practices where only the publisher profited, benefits must now be shared with those who give consent.
These benefits can include—but are not limited to—monetary compensation (such as advances, royalties, and shared revenue). Often, the value to Indigenous individuals and communities goes beyond money, and may involve:
• control over stories and knowledge;
• recognition as co-authors or contributors;
• training or mentorship in editorial processes; and
• copies of the published work for use in schools or community centres.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Practicing reciprocity also means properly acknowledging Elders and Knowledge Keepers who share their knowledge. In the past, non-Indigenous writers and researchers often took Indigenous knowledge and claimed it as their own. However, Indigenous stories are collectively owned, and protocol requires acknowledging the Elders and Knowledge Keepers who guide which stories can be shared and which must remain sacred and protected within the
community.
RELATIONSHIPS
Building lasting relationships is central to reciprocity. It is no longer acceptable for writers or researchers to extract knowledge and leave without maintaining connections. Instead, relationships must be nurtured over time to ensure communities feel respected, are satisfied with the final publication, and receive copies of the work. This may also include inviting community members to participate in book launches and promotional events.
CULTURAL PROTOCOLS
Finally, all aspects of reciprocity must be practiced with deep respect for cultural protocols. Each community has specific protocols for working with Elders and Knowledge Keepers,
sharing stories, and engaging with members. Learning and following these protocols is essential to building trust and maintaining strong, respectful relationships.
