Ouje-Bougoumou, QC. May 30, 2025 – The Cree Native Arts & Crafts Association (CNACA) is proud to share that Executive Director Dale Cooper recently presented at the Cree Nation Government Board/Council meeting, delivering a compelling presentation on the relationship between Intellectual Property (IP) and Traditional Knowledge (TK).
The presentation, which took place earlier this week, sparked important and timely discussions around the future of Eeyou Istchee’s artists, creators, and knowledge holders. Mr. Cooper emphasized the urgent need to protect traditional Cree knowledge and cultural expressions from exploitation, while empowering Cree artists to understand and assert their rights under copyright and IP law.
The session highlighted how existing IP frameworks often fail to fully respect or accommodate Indigenous worldviews and communal rights. Cooper called for a Cree-led approach to developing policies and tools that better protect cultural heritage and support sustainable artistic careers. Discussions included the development of educational initiatives to help artists understand copyright, licensing, and the importance of documenting and asserting ownership over their creations.
CNACA is committed to continuing this work in collaboration with Cree Nation Government and artists across Eeyou Istchee, ensuring that cultural knowledge is passed down with pride and protection for generations to come.
Sincerely,
Cree Native Arts & Crafts Association
